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| For Immediate Release |
Contact: Andy Deloney |
| September 15, 2006 |
517/377-3931 |
Update on Outbreak of E.coli
The Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) and the Michigan Restaurant Association are alerting the food industry about a current outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 in Michigan. Multiple states are included in this outbreak.
At this time, preliminary information suggests that fresh-bagged spinach may be a possible cause of this outbreak. Food establishments are advised to pull these products from their shelves and not include in any uncooked menu items. If the bagged spinach is contaminated, washing it has not been proven to make it safe.
Michigan has three of the 50 known cases currently associated with this outbreak. The individuals affected by the illness reside in Lapeer, Ingham, and Macomb Counties. Two of the cases were hospitalized, and all are recovering. Surveillance for additional cases in other counties is currently underway by state authorities.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is advising consumers not to eat bagged fresh spinach at this time. Individuals who believe they may have experienced symptoms of illness after consuming bagged spinach are urged to contact their health care provider. E. coli O157:H7 causes diarrhea, often with bloody stools. Although most healthy adults can recover completely within a week, some people can develop a form of kidney failure called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). HUS is most likely to occur in young children and the elderly. The condition can lead to serious kidney damage and even death.
National Restaurant Association statement:
As this is a multi-state outbreak that currently includes Connecticut, Idaho, Indiana, Michigan, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah and Wisconsin, the National Restaurant has issued the following statement:
Because we employ and touch the lives of millions of Americans every day, the restaurant industry holds a special trust: to safely serve a variety of high quality foods in a safe and pleasant environment. To that end, we continue to maintain our vigilance and the highest standards of food safety practices, education and training in our nation's 925,000 restaurants.
We are currently monitoring the investigation of a foodborne illness outbreak that may be associated with the consumption of bagged fresh spinach. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a consumer alert advising consumers not to eat the product at this time. The Association, which is working closely with FDA and other allied members within the food supply chain, is recommending that restaurants also follow the FDA's guidance and temporarily remove fresh and fresh-processed spinach and other fresh produce items that include spinach from their menus during this investigation. Many restaurant companies have proactively and voluntarily removed these items from their menus.
The restaurant industry is a food purchaser as well as a food server, and as a result, is the nation's largest consumer group - one that holds a keen interest in the safety of the nation's food supply. And, we believe the issue of food safety is non-negotiable.
It is also important to remember that the rate of foodborne incidents in this country has declined; illnesses related to E. coli declining approximately 29 percent over the last decade, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Yet, one foodborne illness is one too many. However infrequent they are, when they do occur, it is important to remember that there are many variables involved in determining the cause of such an outbreak. Through the investigation by FDA and CDC, in conjunction with the local health departments and the food community, we are working together to fully investigate this situation. Sound science and thorough examination will determine how the spinach associated with the outbreaks became contaminated so that corrective action can be taken.
Founded in 1921, the Michigan Restaurant Association represents more than 4,500 Michigan foodservice establishments. The foodservice industry plays an integral role in Michigan’s economy, employing more than 436,000 people and creating more than $11.3 billion in total annual sales. For more information, call (517) 482-5244.
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