Search Continues for Food Source of St. Louis E. coli Outbreak Associated with Schnucks Salad Bars
Investigators continue to look for the source of the E. coli outbreak in St. Louis, MO that has been associated with eating food from Schnucks salad bars in the St. Louis area.
The CDC has set up a case study by contacting individuals in neighborhoods where patients have been identified. The case control study will enable investigators to compare data from participants with those who have become sick.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) has been working in consultation with the FDA and enlisted additional assistance when it became known that products were obtained from distributors and/or producers located outside of Missouri. The FDA will assist in the inspection of facilities that may have been part of the distribution chain.
The State Lab has performed tests on 55 food samples. 17 of them came back negative (no E. coli contamination). 38 of the food samples were received Tuesday night. Preliminary tests on these 38 samples were negative for E. coli. Further testing is being done to confirm these results.
Even with these negative food sample results, there is still sufficient epidemiological evidence for some victims of this E. coli O157 outbreak to file lawsuits for medical expenses, lost wages, compensation for pain and suffering, and other damages. Contact our attorneys for a free consultation.
