Illnesses in Salmonella Sushi Outbreak Reach 200

Illnesses in Salmonella Sushi Outbreak Reach 200Illnesses in the growing, nationwide Salmonella sushi outbreak have reached 200. Reported in 21 states and Washington, D.C. the outbreak has been linked to raw, scraped tuna.

According to government health officials, the outbreak now involves two rare Salmonella strains, said MSNBC. Originally only thought to involve Salmonella Bareilly, the outbreak now also involves the Salmonella Nchanga infection, said the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC noted that two genetic fingerprint patterns of the Salmonella strains have been grouped into one single outbreak strain.

Of the 200 sickened, 190 have been diagnosed with Salmonella Bareilly infections; the remaining 10 have been diagnosed with Salmonella Nchanga infections, said the CDC. Of those sickened, 28 needed hospitalization; no deaths have been reported, to date. MSNBC noted that the outbreak could continue to spread and that illnesses occurring after March 27 might not be reported because of the lag from illness onset to reporting.

MSNBC also pointed out that the CDC’s most recent estimates suggest that for each case of Salmonellosis (Salmonella infection) reported, some 29.3 cases are not reported. Based on this multiplier, 5,860 people could have been affected, to date, in this multi-strain, multi-state tainted tuna outbreak.

As we’ve mentioned, the outbreak prompted a recall of 30 tons (58,828 pounds) of raw, frozen tuna known as Nakaochi Scrape that originated in India and was originally distributed by Moon Marine USA Corporation, also known as (AKA) MMI of Cupertino, California. Labeled as Nakaochi Scrape AA or AAA Nakaochi Scrape, the product is tuna backmeat scraped from the bones and that looks like a ground product.

The recall is complex because Salmonella Bareilly and Salmonella Nchanga are rare strains of the pathogen and, the recalled Nakaochi Scrape, although not available for individual consumer sale, is used in the making of sushi, sashimi, ceviche, and other similar dishes that are purchased from grocery stores or ordered at restaurants. Because of the vast distribution chain and that the fish is delivered frozen, it is difficult to determine to where the fish may have ultimately been delivered and if all recipients are aware that they are in possession of the contaminated Nakaochi Scrape.

Meanwhile, two women have filed a lawsuit against Moon Marine. Both women are from Wisconsin—ages 22 and 33—and both were hospitalized and are still recovering from a bout of Salmonellosis they contracted six-to-nine weeks prior, said MSNBC previously. The women dined separately, but at the same restaurant, and both consumed tuna rolls were originally sold by Moon Marine.

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) advises consumers purchasing spicy tuna and other sushi; sashimi or ceviche; or similar dishes potentially containing Nakaochi Scrape from a restaurant or grocery store to check with the establishment to ensure the food does not contain any raw, recalled product from Moon Marine USA Corporation, AKA MMI. Product sellers, including distributors and restaurants, should consult their suppliers to determine if the Nakaochi Scrape AA or AAA in their possession originated from Moon Marine USA Corporation, AKA MMI. The redistributed product may not be accompanied by lot numbers or labeling information.

