Illinois Subway Salmonella Outbreak Report
The Illinois Subway Salmonella Outbreak that sickened at least 97 customers at 49 Subway locations in late April, May and June was likely caused by contaminated lettuce, tomatoes or olives from a common supplier, according to a report by the Illinois Department of Public Health.
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Produce samples did not test positive for the outbreak strain of Salmonella Hvittingfoss, but detailed questionnaires of victims indicated the probability of the three sandwich toppings as the cause. The report said Sysco Central Illinois Inc. of Lincoln, Illinois, was the supplier of the statistically linked lettuce, olives and store-sliced tomatoes.
All victims were Illinois residents or out-of-state visitors who ate at one of 49 Subway stores in 28 Illinois counties. Twenty-eight people were hospitalized for stays ranging from one day to nine days.
The summary report on the outbreak that spawned a Subway Salmonella lawsuit also said that 12 Subway foodhandlers tested positive for the outbreak strain of Salmonella. It is possible for the bacteria to be transmitted person to person when infected individuals don't properly wash their hands after going to the toilet. The report said the 12 infected foodhandlers worked at seven stores in seven different counties.
Besides the confirmed cases, Illinois health officials reported six probable cases and 89 suspected cases. Food safety lawyers from PritzkerOlsen, P.A., are representing victims of this outbreak and they continue to accept cases at 1-888-377-8900 (TOLL FREE) or by completing the contact form on the side of this Web page.
