Public health teams with stores to reduce food risks

Vancouver, WA— As the investigation into the national Salmonella outbreak continues, Clark County Public Health food safety staff are actively ensuring that all recalled products are removed from outlets in Clark County that sell or distribute them. The outbreak has sickened more than 500 people in 43 states, including 13 from Washington state. Health officials attribute the outbreak to certain products containing peanuts (see link below).

“We’re especially interested in identifying stores or outlets that might be less aware of the recalls of certain products that contain peanuts,” said Gary Bickett, Public Health program manager. “We’re contacting not only the large major grocery outlets, but also facilities such as food banks, nutrition stores, discount outlets, convenience stores, liquidators, and others to confirm that they know of the recall and are not selling or distributing recalled products.”

For the most recent list of recalled products in Washington state, see http://www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/food/salmonellaoutbreak.html. For more information on the outbreak, see http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/typhimurium/.

Salmonellosis is the illness caused by exposure to Salmonella bacteria. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. They typically start 12 to 72 hours after exposure. Although most people recover on their own, anyone with these symptoms should see a health care provider. There have been no new Washington cases since mid-December.