2011. Multistate Outbreak of Botulism Linked to Improperly Stored, Commercially Produced Potato Soup

In January and April 2011, two persons developed botulism after eating commercially produced, potato soups. The potato soups had been produced by two companies. One person purchased their potato soup on December 7, 2010, from a refrigerated case in a grocery store in Ohio. The soup was taken home and left unrefrigerated for 42 days, at which point he tasted the soup. Five days after tasting, he began to develop progressive dizziness, blurred vision, and difficulty with swallowing and breathing. The second person purchased the potato soup from a grocery store in Georgia on March 16. This soup was left unrefrigerated for 18 days before she tasted it. The day after tasting the soup, she began to develop botulism symptoms. The soup labels instructed to "keep refrigerated." Improper storage has been documented in previous botulism outbreaks associated with commercially produced, chilled foods.

Overview

Outbreak began:January 2011
Affected country:US
States/territories:GA, OH
Pathogen:Botulism
Vehicle(s):Soup
Location(s):Private Home
Molecular test results:Not reported

Health impact

Total ill:2
Number hospitalized:2

Sources & documents

Report / reference links