These 9 Foods Are Linked To Recent Food Poisoning Outbreaks And Might Make You Sick

Jul 26, 2018

When you buy food, you generally assume that it is safe. However, a number of foods have been recalled after making people sick because of contamination with viruses, bacteria and parasites. Below are some of those recent recalls.

Premade pasta salad was the culprit in one food poisoning incident that sickened at least 20 people. The pasta salad was contaminated with salmonella. Salmonella symptoms show up about 12 hours to three days after the food has been consumed, and symptoms may include cramps, fever and diarrhea. After around four days to a week, people generally recover.

Not everyone needs treatment for salmonella, but in some cases, diarrhea is bad enough to result in hospitalization. Immunocompromised people or people who are very young or old may be at particular risk.

Salmonella found in raw turkey also caused illnesses in about half of all U.S. states according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The outbreak began in November although its source has not been located. It appears that it might be a widespread outbreak since live turkeys and raw turkey pet food have also tested positive.

Cantaloupe, honeydew and watermelon along with salads made with those fruits made a number of people sick with salmonella, and around half of them were admitted to the hospital. While people became ill in only a few states, there was a recall in more than 20 states.

It's not just meat and fresh food that can make people sick. Around 100 people got sick after eating salmonella-contaminated cereal. There was a recall, but unfortunately, not all boxes were removed from the shelf in the first recall, and a second warning had to be issued about the cereal from the FDA.

Fortunately, nobody became ill after eating Swiss rolls. In fact, the company that manufactured them recalled them as a precautionary measure because of evidence that the whey powder used in the product was contaminated.

A suspected salmonella contamination with no illnesses reported was also behind this voluntary recall. As with the Swiss rolls, the suspect ingredient was whey powder.

Cyclospora illness led to the removal of salads from many fast food restaurants with at least 163 people affected. Cyclospora is a parasite, and people may not have symptoms for a week or even longer. These symptoms include nausea, cramps, diarrhea, loss of appetite, fatigue and vomiting among others. Cyclospora illness can last few days or months, and people may recover only to get it again. A course of antibiotics may be necessary.

A number of people also became ill from vegetable trays contaminated with cyclospora. The vegetables on the tray were carrots, cauliflower and broccoli, and there was also a dip, but the FDA was unable to determine which component was responsible.

A dozen people got sick eating imported pre-cooked fresh crab meat. Most developed symptoms about 24 hours after consuming the crab meat, which was contaminated with a bacteria known as Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Those symptoms included cramps, fever, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

The chances that your food will make you sick are low, but it is good to keep an eye on what is being recalled. Let us know what you think, and make sure to spread to word so your friends and family don't get food poisoning, either.

Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation with your doctor. Your health is important to us!