Major Portland Salmonella Outbreaks in 2015

Whether we dine out or at home, we can easily take for granted that the food we are eating is safe. If it looks, smells, and tastes good, then it must be okay, right? Wrong. Today’s consumers seem to be facing increasing risks of coming into contact with salmonella, as well as other foodborne pathogens that result in illness. Cases of food poisoning are on the rise, while food product recalls are now occurring on a routine basis. 

Injuries caused by food poisoning can range from mild to severe, and even life-threatening. Recent salmonella outbreaks in Portland highlight the need for people to be aware of the risks of foodborne illness, as well as where to go to find out the latest information on food product recalls.

Salmonella Outbreak at Open Source Bridge Conference

Public health officials are still working to uncover the causes of a Portland salmonella outbreak that injured over 50 attendees at a convention in late June, 2015. While the Multnomah County Health Department has been working diligently to identify which foods were contaminated, the investigation is hindered by the fact that there were over 100 different foods served by multiple caterers over a four-day period. Of the 500 people at the convention, only 53 cases of salmonella have been reported. This is not uncommon, as the incidence of foodborne illnesses is often underreported.

Ironically, the International Association for Food Protection (IAFP) came to town just a month later. Their annual meeting was at the end of July 2015 at the Oregon Convention Center, just two miles from where the salmonella outbreak occurred. According to food safety researchers with the IAFP, each year salmonella causes approximately 93 million cases of foodborne illness around the world, and in the United States, it is one of the leading causes of illnesses and hospitalizations.

Food Recalls Affecting Portland

Thus far, 2015 has been an active year for food alerts and product recalls. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there have been food recalls due to salmonella poisoning in three Portland food market chains. Both Whole Foods and Natural Grocers had various trail mixes and raw macadamia nuts recalled by the FDA due to concerns about salmonella, and Kroger had seasoning mixes that were recalled due to similar concerns.

Salmonella is typically contracted by eating foods that have been contaminated with fecal matter. Raw meat and poultry, raw eggs, and produce are all foods that are commonly affected. While symptoms associated with salmonella poisoning infection typically last a week or less, it can take as long as several months for your body to completely return to normal. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of salmonella poisoning include the following:

•         Nausea and vomiting;
•         Abdominal cramps and diarrhea;
•         Fever and chills;
•         Headaches;
•         Blood in the stool.

Contact a Portland Personal Injury Attorney

If you or someone you know has suffered from food poisoning, contact our experienced Oregon salmonella poisoning lawyers immediately. At the Johnston Law Firm, we have experience handling these types of personal injury cases, and we can help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries. If you suspect food poisoning, call us today for a free review of your case.