2013-2014 Multistate Outbreak of Multidrug Resistant Salmonella Heidelberg Infections Linked to Foster Farms Chicken

Federal and public health officials and the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service announced an outbreak of multidrug-resistant Salmonella Heidelberg infections linked to Foster Farms brand chicken. A total of 634 persons infected with seven outbreak strains of Salmonella Heidelberg were reported by 29 states and Puerto Rico. Illness onset dates ranged from March 1, 2013 to July 11, 2014. Thirty-eight percent (n=200) were hospitalized. No one died. Fifteen percent of ill persons had developed blood infections as a result of their illness. Epidemiologic and traceback investigations indicate that consumption of chicken prepared at home was the most likely source of illness in these patients. Among those who had brand information available, 152 (87%) of 175 ill persons reported that they had consumed Foster Farms brand chicken or another brand likely produced by Foster Farms.

Overview

Outbreak began:March 2013
Affected country:US
States/territories:AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, KY, LA, MI, MO, MT, NV, NM, NC, OR, PR, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, WI
Pathogen:Salmonella Heidelberg
Vehicle(s):chicken
Location(s):Private Home, Retail
Brand name(s):Foster Farms
Molecular test results:Not reported

Health impact

Total ill:634
Number hospitalized:200

Sources & documents

Outbreak documents