Agriculture officials have isolated the strain of salmonella that struck in late February — called paratyphi B — to one ingredient: A starter culture distributed by Tempeh Online of Rockville, Maryland to local company Smiling Hara Tempeh.

Three hundred and four persons infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Bareilly have been reported from 26 states and the District of Columbia. The number of ill persons with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Bareilly identified in each state is as follows: Alabama (3), Arkansas (1), California (4), Colorado (1), Connecticut (9), District of Columbia (2), Florida (1), Georgia (13), Illinois (27), Indiana (1), Louisiana (4), Maryland (27), Massachusetts (33), Mississippi (2), Missouri (4), Nebraska (1), New Jersey (26), New York (48), North Carolina (10), Pennsylvania (25), Rhode Island (6), South Carolina (3), Tennessee (4), Texas (7), Virginia (22), Vermont (1), and Wisconsin (19).

Twelve persons infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Nchanga have been reported from 5 states. The number of ill persons with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Nchanga identified in each state is as follows: Georgia (2), New Jersey (2), New York (6), Virginia (1), and Wisconsin (1).

Moon Marine USA Corporation (also known as MMI) of Cupertino, Calif. is voluntarily recalling 58,828 lbs of a frozen raw yellowfin tuna product, labeled as Nakaochi Scrape AA or AAA. Nakaochi Scrape is tuna backmeat, which is specifically scraped off from the bones, and looks like a ground product.

The Nakaochi Scrape AA and AAA from MMI was sold through distributors to restaurants and grocery stores that make sushi, and has been linked to the ongoing outbreak of Salmonella Bareilly and Salmonella Nchanga, which has caused 200 illnesses in 24 states and the District of Columbia to date.

Many of the people who became ill reported eating raw tuna in sushi as “spicy tuna.”

The product is not available for sale to individual consumers, but may have been used to make sushi, sashimi, ceviche and similar dishes available in restaurants and grocery stores.

The company name and Nakaochi Scrape AA or AAA were printed on boxes of the product when it was initially sold to distributors. However, the boxes may have been broken into smaller lots for further sale and may not be available to the end retailer or consumer. Therefore, the tuna may not be readily identifiable by retail outlets or by consumers as being from the implicated lots.

If you purchase “spicy tuna” or other sushi, sashimi, ceviche, or similar dishes that might contain Nakaochi Scrape from a restaurant or grocery store, check with the establishment to make sure that it does not contain raw recalled product from Moon Marine USA Corporation, also known as MMI. When in doubt, don’t eat it. Consumers who think they might have become ill from eating possibly contaminated raw Nakaochi Scrape should consult their health care providers.

A Seafood HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) inspection was conducted by FDA April 19-24 at the nakaochi scrape yellowfin tuna and tuna strips manufacturer, Moon Fishery Pvt Ltd. in Aroor, India. FDA was informed that April 12, 2012 was the last day of tuna processing at the firm due to the seasonal nation-wide ban of tuna harvest from the Indian Ocean. 

Based on the initial tour of the facility, inspectors identified several seafood HACCP deficiencies such as lack of controls for histamine at receipt of product, lack of controls for Clostridium botulinum at storage, and several significant sanitation observations of concern. 

A copy of the inspection observations is available, see FDA Form 483 for Moon Fishery (India) Pvt. Ltd.

The US Food and Drug Administration is already involved in tracing the origin of the ingredient to identify source of contamination as well as the potential for other Salmonella outbreaks in the US.

As of May 10 at 2 PM, Buncombe County Department of Health reports 58 cases associated with salmonella outbreak. Please keep in mind that this number does not include cases being reported in other counties or states.

NC Department of Public Health reports 63 cases, which includes cases in NC and other states; however there is a slight delay in reporting.

Collaborative investigative efforts of officials in many local, state, and federal public health, agriculture, and regulatory agencies linked this outbreak to Marie Callender’s Cheesy Chicken & Rice single-serve frozen entrées. During June 14-18, 2010, CDC and public health officials in multiple states conducted an epidemiologic study by comparing foods eaten by 19 ill and 22 well persons. Analysis of this study suggested that eating a Marie Callender's frozen meal was a source of illness. Ill persons (89%) were significantly more likely than well persons (14%) to report eating a frozen meal. All ill persons (100%) who ate frozen meals reported eating a Marie Callender's frozen meal.

A total of 14 individuals infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Infantis have been reported from 9 states. The number of ill persons identified in each state is as follows: Alabama (1), Connecticut (1), Michigan (1), Missouri (3), North Carolina (3), New Jersey (1), Ohio (2), Pennsylvania (1), and Virginia (1).

Among persons for whom information is available, illnesses began between October 8, 2011 and April 22, 2012. Ill persons range in age from less than one year old to 82 years old and the median age is 48 years. Seventy-seven percent of patients are female. Among the 9 patients with available information, 5 (56%) were hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

The lawyers and attorneys at Marler Clark have been representing Salmonella victims since 1998 and have recovered over $600,000,000 for clients. The Marler Clark attorneys provide free case evaluations for all potential sushi Salmonella outbreak victims.  You can contact Marler Clark for a free case evaluation and further explanation of fees through our free case evaluation form or by calling us toll-free at (866) 770-2032.

UPDATE - As of May 1, Buncombe County Department of Health reports 37 cases of Salmonella Paratyhpi B infection and continues to test and investigate people coming forward with symptoms of salmonella infection, some who ate tempeh and others who did not eat tempeh. The case interviews indicate that the disease transmission is linked to the outbreak in one of three ways: those who have eaten tempeh, those who have connections to others who have been ill with Salmonella Paratyphi b (person-to-person) and others that are under further investigation to determine if there are other sources of contamination associated with the outbreak.

Salmonella Paratyphi B illnesses from North and South Carolina, Tennessee and New York climbed to 34 as the investigation focused on tempeh produced by Smiling Hara soybean tempeh.  Blue Ridge Food Ventures, the shared use kitchen where Smiling Hara issued a press release stating that they are aware of the investigation, have ceased operation.  The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services also announced today the voluntary recall of the 12-ounce packages of Smiling Hara unpasteurized soybean tempeh.  The company says anyone with packages marked with a best-by date of 7/11/12 through 10/25/12 should return the product.  Dozens of people have become sick recently after a Salmonella outbreak traced back to the Asheville area.  The recall was prompted after samples during a routine inspection tested positive for salmonella.

The Buncombe County Department of Health North Carolina reports that 5 more cases of Salmonella Paratyphi B were identified over the weekend, bringing the total to 34, as of Monday, April 30, 2012. The local health department is working with NC Department of Public Health, Center for Disease Control, US Department of Agriculture and others to continue intensive testing, interviewing, and epidemiological investigation of the outbreak in order to squelch the spread of the disease. Cases still appear to have been associated with residence or travel to Buncombe County since February 28, 2012. A single source of infection has not been confirmed.

According to the Health Department:

As much as the public wants to know which foods or restaurants should be avoided, state and local health officials do not have final laboratory test results that would allow conclusive identification of a specific source of salmonella contamination.

According to the CDC, humans are one of the only known reservoir sources of Salmonella paratyphi B. Salmonella paratyphi B is most often acquired through consumption of water or food that has been contaminated by feces of an infected person or a chronic, asymptomatic carrier.

Worldwide some six million cases of Salmonella paratyphi are estimated to occur annually. However, only approximately 150 cases of Salmonella paratyphi are reported each year in the United States, most of which are in recent travelers.

The incubation period of Salmonella paratyphoid B is longer that other Salmonella with onset of infections ranging from 6–30 days. The onset of illness is increasing fatigue and a fever that increases daily from low-grade to as high by the third to fourth day of illness. A rash of rose-colored spots can occasionally be seen on the trunk. Untreated, the disease can last for a month. The serious complications of Salmonella paratyphoid B generally occur after 2–3 weeks of illness and may include intestinal hemorrhage or perforation, which can be life threatening.

As of Friday morning, 29 possible cases have been identified and the source of contamination has not yet been confirmed.

And officials say it's only going to get worse.

All cases appear to have been associated with residence or travel to Buncombe County since February 28, 2012. Any reports of possible additional cases are immediately placed under investigation to verify whether the case may be linked to this outbreak.

Health department officials say there are also two confirmed cases in South Carolina, one being in Spartanburg County, related to the outbreak.

190 persons infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Bareilly have been reported from 21 states and the District of Columbia. The number of ill persons with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Bareilly identified in each state is as follows: Alabama (2), Arkansas (1), Connecticut (8), District of Columbia (2), Florida (1), Georgia (9), Illinois (15), Louisiana (3), Maryland (20), Massachusetts (24), Mississippi (2), Missouri (4), New Jersey (18), New York (33), North Carolina (3), Pennsylvania (7), Rhode Island (6), South Carolina (3), Texas (4), Virginia (9), Vermont (1), and Wisconsin (15).

10 persons infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Nchanga have been reported from 5 states. The number of ill persons with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Nchanga identified in each state is as follows: Georgia (2), New Jersey (1), New York (5), Virginia (1), and Wisconsin (1).

28 ill persons have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported.

New Jersey has been hit the hardest in this most recent update with 11 new cases. Last week Boston saw a dramatic increase when 15 new cases were confirmed Massachusetts. Baltimore has confirmed at least 8 cases, and cities like New York City, Chicago, Milwaukee, and Hartford are sure to harbor a large percentage of the illnesses and hospitalizations that are associated with this Salmonella outbreak and recall in their respective states.

The CDC announced today a total of 160 persons infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Bareilly have been reported from 20 states and the District of Columbia.

The number of ill persons identified in each state is as follows: Alabama (2), Arkansas (1), Connecticut (6), District of Columbia (2), Florida (1), Georgia (6), Illinois (14), Louisiana (3), Maryland (14), Massachusetts (23), Mississippi (2), Missouri (4), New Jersey (8), New York (30), North Carolina (3), Pennsylvania (6), Rhode Island (5), South Carolina (3), Texas (4), Virginia (9), and Wisconsin (14).

26 ill persons have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported.

Collaborative investigation efforts of state, local, and federal public health agencies indicate that a frozen raw yellowfin tuna product, known as Nakaochi Scrape, from Moon Marine USA Corporation is the likely source of this outbreak of Salmonella Bareilly infections. Nakaochi Scrape is tuna backmeat that is scraped from the bones of tuna and may be used in sushi, sashimi, ceviche, and similar dishes. The product looks like raw ground tuna.

• The number of ill persons identified in each state is as follows: Alabama (2), Arkansas (1), Connecticut (6), District of Columbia (2), Florida (1), Georgia (6), Illinois (13), Louisiana (3), Maryland (14), Massachusetts (9), Mississippi (2), Missouri (4), New Jersey (8), New York (28), North Carolina (2), Pennsylvania (6), Rhode Island (5), South Carolina (3), Texas (4), Virginia (8), and Wisconsin (14).

• 21 ill persons have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported.

• Collaborative investigation efforts of state, local, and federal public health agencies indicate that a frozen raw yellowfin tuna product, known as Nakaochi Scrape, from Moon Marine USA Corporation is the likely source of this outbreak of Salmonella Bareilly infections. Nakaochi Scrape is tuna backmeat that is scraped from the bones of tuna and may be used in sushi, sashimi, ceviche, and similar dishes. The product looks like raw ground tuna.

The number of ill persons identified in each state is as follows: Alabama (2), Arkansas (1), Connecticut (5), District of Columbia (2), Florida (1), Georgia (5), Illinois (10), Louisiana (2), Maryland (11), Massachusetts (8), Mississippi (1), Missouri (2), New Jersey (7), New York (24), North Carolina (2), Pennsylvania (5), Rhode Island (5), South Carolina (3), Texas (3), Virginia (5), and Wisconsin (12).

12 ill persons have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported.

Collaborative investigation efforts of state, local, and federal public health agencies indicate that a frozen raw yellowfin tuna product, known as Nakaochi Scrape, from Moon Marine USA Corporation is the likely source of this outbreak of Salmonella Bareilly infections. Nakaochi Scrape is tuna backmeat that is scraped from the bones of tuna and may be used in sushi, sashimi, ceviche, and similar dishes. Moon Marine USA Corporation (also known as MMI) of Cupertino, Calif. is voluntarily recalling 58,828 lbs of a frozen raw yellowfin tuna product, labeled as Nakaochi Scrape AA or AAA. Nakaochi Scrape is tuna backmeat, which is specifically scraped off from the bones, and looks like a ground product.

Consumers should not eat the recalled product, and retailers should not serve the recalled raw Nakaochi Scrape tuna product from Moon Marine USA Corporation.

This investigation is ongoing. CDC and state and local public health partners are continuing surveillance to identify new cases.

FDA Fast Facts

• Moon Marine USA Corporation (also known as MMI) of Cupertino, Calif. is voluntarily recalling 58,828 lbs of a frozen raw yellowfin tuna product, labeled as Nakaochi Scrape AA or AAA. Nakaochi Scrape is tuna backmeat, which is specifically scraped off from the bones, and looks like a ground product.

• The product is not available for sale to individual consumers, but may have been used to make sushi, sashimi, ceviche and similar dishes available in restaurants and grocery stores.

• The company name and Nakaochi Scrape AA or AAA were printed on boxes of the product when it was initially sold to distributors. However, the boxes may have been broken into smaller lots for further sale and may not be available to the end retailer or consumer. Therefore, the tuna may not be readily identifiable by retail outlets or by consumers as being from the implicated lots.

• The Nakaochi Scrape AA and AAA from MMI was sold through distributors to restaurants and grocery stores that make sushi, and has been linked to an outbreak of Salmonella Bareilly, which has caused 116 illnesses in 20 states and the District of Columbia to date. Of the reported illnesses, there have been 12 hospitalizations, and no deaths.

• Many of the people who became ill reported eating raw tuna in sushi as “spicy tuna.”

• If you purchase “spicy tuna” or other sushi, sashimi, ceviche, or similar dishes that might contain Nakaochi Scrape from a restaurant or grocery store, check with the establishment to make sure that it does not contain raw recalled product from Moon Marine USA Corporation, also known as MMI. When in doubt, don’t eat it.

• Consumers who think they might have become ill from eating possibly contaminated raw Nakaochi Scrape should consult their health care providers.

· The number of ill persons identified in each state is as follows: Alabama (2), Arkansas (1), Connecticut (5), District of Columbia (2), Florida (1), Georgia (5), Illinois (10), Louisiana (2), Maryland (11), Massachusetts (8), Mississippi (1), Missouri (2), New Jersey (7), New York (24), North Carolina (2), Pennsylvania (5), Rhode Island (5), South Carolina (3), Texas (3), Virginia (5), and Wisconsin (12).

· 12 ill persons have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported.

Salmonella is one of the most common intestinal infections in the United States. Salmonellosis (the disease caused by Salmonella) is the second most common foodborne illness. It is estimated that:

• 1.4 million cases of salmonellosis occur each year in the U.S.
• 95% of those cases are foodborne-related
• Approximately 220 of each 1000 cases result in hospitalization and eight of every 1000 cases result in death
• About 500 to 1,000 or 31% of all food-related deaths are caused by Salmonella infections each year.

Salmonella infection occurs when the bacteria are ingested, typically from food derived from infected food-animals, but it can also occur by ingesting the feces of an infected animal or person. Food sources include raw or undercooked eggs/egg products, raw milk or raw milk products, contaminated water, meat and meat products, and poultry. Raw fruits and vegetables contaminated during slicing have been implicated in several salmonella outbreaks.

The Marler Clark Salmonella lawyers have unmatched experience representing victims of Salmonella outbreaks.  We have represented thousands of Salmonella victims and are the only lawyers in the nation with a practice focused exclusively on plaintiff foodborne illness litigation. 

Our Salmonella lawyers have represented victims of notable Salmonella outbreaks such as the 2004 Sheetz and Coronet Foods tomato Salmonella outbreak, the 2009 PCA peanut Salmonella outbreak, and the 2011 Cargill ground turkey antibiotic-resistant Salmonella outbreak. Contact us today to learn more about our services.

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The number of ill persons identified in each state is as follows: Alabama (2), Arkansas (1), Connecticut (5), District of Columbia (2), Georgia (4), Illinois (9), Louisiana (2), Maryland (10), Massachusetts (4), Mississippi (1), Missouri (1), New Jersey (7), New York (23), North Carolina (2), Pennsylvania (3), Rhode Island (4), South Carolina (3), Texas (3), Virginia (5), and Wisconsin (9). 10 ill persons have been hospitalized.

Salmonella sushi outbreak:  The Marler Clark attorneys are investigating a Salmonella outbreak that appears to be linked to sushi. 

According the CDC, a total of 93 individuals infected with Salmonella Bareilly, have been reported from 19 states and the District of Columbia.

The Marler Clark Salmonella lawyers learned on April 3 that spicy tuna sushi rolls were rumored to be the potential source of the sushi Salmonella outbreak.  The CDC's most recent report on Salmonella outbreak cases shows victims were from various states: Alabama (2), Arkansas (1), Connecticut (4), District of Columbia (2), Georgia (4), Illinois (8), Louisiana (2), Maryland (8), Massachusetts (4), Mississippi (1), Missouri (1), New Jersey (6), New York (23), North Carolina (2), Pennsylvania (2), Rhode Island (4), South Carolina (3), Texas (3), Virginia (5), and Wisconsin (8).

State public health officials are interviewing ill persons to obtain information regarding foods they might have eaten in the week before becoming ill.  During initial interviews, 69% of Salmonella outbreak victims reported eating sushi, sashimi, or similar foods before becoming ill with Salmonella infection. 

Marler Clark Salmonella lawyers have represented victims of every notable Salmonella outbreak since 1998.  Read more about Salmonella lawsuits and litigation on the law firm's Website.