Salmonella Outbreak Possibly Linked to Raw Tuna Impacts California Residents

As of late last month, over 50 people in nine states have been confirmed to have been infected by a strain of Salmonella that is believed to be linked to eating raw tuna.  Of the infected people, 31 are from California.
 
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “CDC is collaborating with public health officials in several states and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Paratyphi B variant L(+) tartrate(+) infections. The investigation has not conclusively identified the source of this outbreak, but most ill people interviewed reported eating sushi made with raw tuna in the week before becoming ill. The investigation is ongoing and has not identified a common brand or supplier of raw tuna linked to illnesses.”
 
The onset of the illnesses range from March 5th through May 3rd.  Fortunately, no deaths have been reported, but a number of infected people were hospitalized.
 
“Salmonella outbreaks have been associated with eating raw tuna in the recent past,” said Joy Dell’Aringa, M.S., RM (NRM), CFSP, National Food Director at LA Testing and EMSL Analytical, Inc.  “In 2012, the CDC reported that a California company recalled over 58,000 pounds of raw tuna due to Salmonella contamination concerns.  Anytime people eat raw or undercooked seafood, meats or poultry, there is a chance they could become ill if the products have been contaminated while being processed or were improperly stored.”
 
LA Testing’s network of laboratories provides rapid PCR testing and other analytical methods to help prevent contaminated products from reaching the public.  These services not only help to prevent foodborne illness outbreaks, but also are instrumental in helping to eliminate these types of risks for companies in the food industry.
 
To learn more about testing for foodborne pathogens or other food testing services, please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 755-1794. 
 
About LA Testing
LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals.  In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, CDC ELITE, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states.  LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Garden Grove, San Leandro and San Diego.
 

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