2002 Outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 Linked to Consumption of Emmpak DBA Peck Meats Ground Beef, Wisconsin
Wisconsin epidemiologists noted a cluster of E. coli O157:H7 cases. Outbreak associated cases were reported from Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, and New York. Interviews with case patients revealed that most had consumed ground beef produced by Emmpak. One Minnesota patient and two Wisconsin patients had leftover ground beef which was found to contain the outbreak strain isolated in patients. The outbreak triggered a recall of 2.8 million pounds of Emmpak meat. The responsible Emmpak plant was closed for inadequate sampling and testing procedures.
- Outbreak began:
- August 2002
- Affected Country:
- US
- Affected States/Territories:
- New York, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana
- Organism(s):
-
- E. coli O157:H7
- Vehicle(s):
- Beef, Ground Beef
- Molecular Results Available:
- Yes
- Test Results:
- Unknown
- Location(s):
- Private Homes, Retail
- Brand Name(s):
- Emmpak
- Product Subject to Recall:
- Yes
-
- Recall Links:
- http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Frame/FrameRedirect.asp?m
- Total ill:
- 57
- Number ill by Case Definition Known:
- Unknown
- Number Laboratory Confirmed Cases:
- N/A
- Number Probable Cases:
- N/A
- Number Possible Cases:
- N/A
- Anyone Hospitalized:
- Yes
- Number Hospitalized:
- Unknown
- Any Deaths:
- No
- Number Dead:
- 0
- Any References:
- Yes