E Coli Lawyer & Attorney : Marler Clark Law Firm : E. coli Blog

The Food and Drug Administration today annonced that the agency is involved in the investigation related to the E. coli O157:H7 outbreak at Taco Bell restaurants. In a press release, the FDA stated that:

The Food and Drug Administration is assisting in the investigation of an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infection in consumers associated with eating food from several Taco Bell restaurants in Northeastern states. FDA is actively working with state and local health officials, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the firm, suppliers and distributors to determine the cause of the sicknesses and prevent additional infections.

States reporting probable cases associated with the outbreak are: New Jersey (20); New York (15); Pennsylvania (7); and Delaware (1). Additional cases are suspected in these states and in Connecticut. Thirty five individuals have been hospitalized, three with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). No deaths have been reported to date. CDC reports that the first reported onset of illness connected with this outbreak occurred on November 20, 2006; the latest on December 2, 2006."

The investigation has thus far focused on green onions, or scallions, supplied to Taco Bell. According to an article in the LA Times, New Jersey food safety regulators and the FDA are investigating two suppliers: McLane Foodservice and a Florence, N.J., facility operated by Irwindale-based Ready Pac Foods Inc. McLane is the sole distributor of ingredients for Taco Bell restaurants in New Jersey, New York's Long Island, Pennsylvania and Delaware. Ready Pac Produce processes lettuce, tomatoes and onions. Ready Pac today announced that it has ceased distribution of green onions until the investigation into the Taco Bell E. coli outbreak has been completed.

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The New York State Health Department also issued a press release regarding its investigation into illnesses traced to Taco Bell restaurants yesterday. The full text of the press release follows.

State Health Department Investigates E. coli Cases That May Be Linked to Taco Bell

Albany, NY - December 6, 2006 - State Health Commissioner Antonia C. Novello, M.D., M.P.H., Dr.P.H., today announced that the State Health Department is investigating 15 cases with laboratory evidence of a E. coli O157:H7 infection in New York State tied to a national outbreak associated with Taco Bell restaurants. An additional 15 potential cases are also being investigated. Dr. Novello said, 'People should promptly contact their health care provider or local health department, if they have experienced possible symptoms of E. coli infection such as bloody diarrhea or abdominal cramps.' The 15 laboratory-confirmed cases have occurred during the last three weeks among people who ate at Taco Bell restaurants. The cases have been reported in Suffolk, Nassau, Clinton, Oneida, and Otsego counties. Of these cases, there have been 13 hospitalizations and 1 report of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a severe complication of E. coli O157:H7 infection that can lead to kidney failure. Taco Bell announced earlier today that green onions sampled from several restaurants associated with the outbreak have preliminary test results positive for E. coli O157:H7. The New York State Department of Health is independently testing the green onions to confirm preliminary test results obtained by Taco Bell. Taco Bell has removed green onions at all of its restaurants nationwide. In addition, in cooperation with local health departments, Taco Bell is taking the following actions for all restaurants associated with confirmed cases of E. coli O157:H7 cleaning and sanitizing restaurants, discarding all food, testing all food workers, and conducting employee training on safe food handling practices. The State Health Department's Wadsworth Laboratory is conducting tests to determine if the E. coli O157:H7 bacteria from the New York State cases match the samples being tested in the national outbreak. Test results are expected to be available later this week. Additionally, the Department has issued an alert to all health care providers in the state to ensure that the health care community is aware of the outbreak and can provide appropriate medical care. People of any age can become infected with E. coli O157:H7, but children and the elderly are more likely to develop serious complications. While most strains of E. coli bacteria are harmless, several are known to produce toxins that can cause mild diarrhea with most confirmed cases developing severe diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Blood is often seen in the stool. Usually little or no fever is present. The State Health Department is working closely with local and state health departments and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the investigation. Forty-three cases of E. coli O157:H7 have been reported nationwide. The symptoms usually appear about three days after exposure, but can range from one to nine days. Most people recover without specific treatment in five to 10 days. Additional information about E. coli can be found on the Department's website at www.nyhealth.gov or on the CDC website at www.cdc.gov."

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