CDC, FDA investigate salmonella outbreak

[flashl]

Source: UPI

ATLANTA, April 25 (UPI) -- U.S. health officials are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Agona infections linked to Malt-O-Meal unsweetened Puffed Rice Cereals.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in Washington are collaborating with public health officials in multiple states.

The investigation, which includes interviews of people with Salmonella Agona infections and comparison of the DNA fingerprints of the pathogen suggests that cereal from Malt-O-Meal unsweetened Puffed Rice Cereals and unsweetened Puffed Wheat Cereals is likely related to these illnesses.

The outbreak strain has been identified in Colorado, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Dakota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont.

UPI

Read more: http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/Health/2008/04/25/cdc_fda_investigate_salmonella_outbreak/3754/

[kestrel91316]

1. WTF is with the Salmonella problems in the CEREAL-BASED

factory foods? I mean, really.

I can see in meat-based or egg-based foods, anything with animal products in it. But CEREALS????

That is one seriously dirty food factory. Probably rats or roosting pigeons behind this. Salmonella is an enteric pathogen that lives in the Gi tract of its hosts. It doesn't come from plants.

[kestrel91316]

2. When I want cereal, I make my own from rolled oats

(granola or oatmeal), or I make cornmeal mush. I think this weekend I will make a pan of mush with raisins and pecans and cinnamon added.

Food factories are dirty and getting dirtier. Bush has obviously gutted FDA and USDA.

[Kali]

4. both oats and corn

can be subjected to the same pest-infested storage conditions mentioned

[kestrel91316]

5. True. But the more steps in handling/processing the food,

the more opportunities for contamination.

I'll process my own foods, thank you. I shop the perimeter of the store and buy very little from the aisles.

[Mnemosyne]

3. Funny how WIC allowed foods have come up for recalls recently. n/t