The Food and Drug Administration announced December 6th that it is assisting in the investigation of an outbreak of E. coli O157 infection in consumers associated with eating food from several Taco Bell restaurants in Northeastern states. FDA said it was actively working with state and local health officials, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the firm, suppliers and distributors to determine the cause of the sicknesses and prevent additional infections.
States reporting probable cases associated with the outbreak are: New Jersey (20); New York (15); Pennsylvania (7); and Delaware (1). Additional cases are suspected in these states and in Connecticut. Thirty five individuals have been hospitalized, three with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). No deaths were reported up to December 2. CDC first reported that the first reported onset of illness connected with this outbreak occurred on November 20, 2006.
On December 2 Taco Bell Corp. announced it was voluntarily removing green onions from its restaurants nationwide after preliminary tests by the firm indicated the possible presence of E. coli O157:H7 in samples of the product. To that date the confirmatory test had not been reported by Taco Bell. In view of this FDA was continuing to explore the possibility of other food commodities being the source of the E. coli.
FDA obtained samples of all non-meat items served in the restaurants that could carry the pathogen. These include cilantro, cheddar cheese, blended cheese, green onions, yellow onions, tomatoes and lettuce. The samples were tested at FDA laboratories. The states involved were testing as well. As at December 2 the agency did not have data implicating or ruling out any of these items.
FDA was also working with Taco Bell Corp. and its suppliers and distributors to obtain information on sources and distribution of products, to aid in tracing back any products identified as contaminated with the pathogen. The agency cooperated with CDC and state and local health officials to determine the specific cause of the outbreak and prevent further illnesses.
Infection with E. coli O157 causes diarrhea, often bloody. Although most healthy adults can recover completely within a week, some people can develop hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a form of kidney failure. HUS is most likely to occur in young children and the elderly. The condition can lead to serious kidney damage and even death.
Consumers who are concerned that they may have contracted E. coli O157 infection should notify their local health department, contact their physician or health care provider or seek medical attention, as needed.
FDA will provide regular updates on this investigation as more information becomes available.