2005 Outbreak of Hepatitis A Linked to Silver Grill Location Catering/Soleil Produce, California

Cast members of the Hollywood film, "The Good German," reported Hepatitis A infections in early November. This cluster of cases led the Los Angeles County Health Department to conduct an investigation. A case-control study showed that case patients were more likely to have eaten baby mixed green lettuce or jerk chicken than the persons who remained well. All food handlers were tested and showed no evidence of recent Hepatitis A infection. Jerk chicken was ruled out as a cause of illness, so investigators concluded that lettuce was the most likely vehicle. The food was provided by Silver Grill Location Catering whose vegetables were from Soleil Produce.

Overview

Outbreak began:October 2005
Affected country:US
States/territories:CA
Pathogen:Hepatitis A
Vehicle(s):lettuce
Location(s):Catered Event
Brand name(s):Silver Grill Location Catering, Soleil Produce
Molecular test results:no

Health impact

Total ill:16
Number hospitalized:2

Sources & documents

Report / reference links