2011 Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis Infections Associated with Turkish Pine Nuts

A confirmed outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis infections was associated with eating Turkish pine nuts purchased from bulk bins at Wegman's grocery stores between July 1 and October 18. As of November 17, there were 43 cases, ranging in age from less than one year to 94 years of age. Some of the pine nuts were eaten as an ingredient in prepared foods, such as Caprese salad or asparagus with pine nuts. Among 40 ill persons for whom information was available, 28 (70%) had eaten pine nuts or products containing pine nuts. Wegman shopper card records were helpful in identifying pine nut purchases. The outbreak strain of Salmonella Enteritidis was isolated from several consumer pine nut samples and from pesto made in a private home using the implicated pine nuts. Wegman's grocery stores are located along the east coast mostly in New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Laboratory testing conducted by public health laboratories in several states identified the outbreak strain of Salmonella Enteritidis from at least five samples of Turkish pine nuts or pesto containing Turkish pine nuts.

Overview

Outbreak began:August 2011
Affected country:US
States/territories:MD, NJ, NY, PA, VA
Pathogen:Salmonella Enteritidis
Vehicle(s):Pine nuts
Location(s):Private Home, Retail
Brand name(s):Wegmans, Sunrise Commodities
Molecular test results:JEGX01.0008/JEGA26.0032

Health impact

Total ill:43
Number hospitalized:2

Sources & documents

Recall notices
Report / reference links