Salmonella Heidelberg (multiple drug-resistant strains) United States · 2013 to 2014

Salmonella Heidelberg outbreak linked to Foster Farms chicken, United States, 2013 to 2014

CDC reported 634 people infected with outbreak strains of Salmonella Heidelberg in 29 states and Puerto Rico, 77 percent of them in California. 200 of 528 people with information were hospitalised and no deaths were reported. The outbreak was linked to Foster Farms brand chicken from three establishments in California. USDA FSIS issued a public health alert in October 2013 and Foster Farms recalled chicken products in July 2014.¹

Counts as reported on 31 July 2014.¹ Food vehicle: Foster Farms brand chicken. Company named in official findings: Foster Farms.

Timeline

1. 1 March 2013Earliest illness onset reported by CDC.¹
2. 7 October 2013USDA FSIS issued a public health alert.¹
3. 10 October 2013FSIS announced Foster Farms had made immediate substantive changes to slaughter and processing.¹
4. 3 July 2014Foster Farms recalled chicken products possibly contaminated with one outbreak strain.¹
5. 31 July 2014CDC final update.¹

Regulatory and legal outcomes

1. 7 October 2013USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service. Issued a public health alert and intensified sampling at Foster Farms establishments, allowing continued operation after corrective changes.¹

Sources

1. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Multistate Outbreak of Multidrug-Resistant Salmonella Heidelberg Infections Linked to Foster Farms Brand Chicken (Final Update) (31 July 2014)