Maine 2002 Salmonella Enteritidis PT913 Bean Sprout Outbreak

Trace back, Maine 2002 Salmonella Enteritidis PT913 Bean Sprout Outbreak

Personal Communication

Anthony Yartel, MPH Infectious Disease Epidemiologist, Division of Disease Control, Maine Bureau of Health.

Hi Bob,

I have been talking to some of the investigators from the Maine bureau of health who were involved in the salmonella outbreak and following is what I have learned:

It was concluded after the investigation in 2002 that the seeds came from an out-of-state supplier in Kentucky. [The seeds were further traced back to China]. HOWEVER, it must be noted that the link was based on a body of epidemiologic evidence, NOT on laboratory testing of the seeds. Following are two (2) points to note about the seeds that were tested for Salmonella:

·       The seeds tested did not come from the same lot as the seeds implicated in the outbreak.
·       Salmonella was “never detected” in the seeds tested.

It’s also come to my attention that the FDA and USDA were involved in this investigation and might have some of the paper work you’re looking for.

Hope this helps.

Anthony

Anthony K. Yartel, MPH
Infectious Disease Epidemiologist
Division of Disease Control
Maine Bureau of Health
286 Water St., 8th Floor
Augusta, ME 04330
Tel: 207 287 3600
Fax: 207 287 8186
Email: anthony.yartel@maine.gov

Articles about Salmonella PT913 and possibly related to bean sprouts:

“Outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis Phage Type 913 Gastroenteritis Associated with Mung Bean Sprouts – Edmonton, 2001”, Canada Communicable Disease Report, Volume 27-18, 15 September 2001.

“Outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis Phage Type 913  Maine – January 2002” The EpiGram March 2002, Maine Bureau of Health’s Division of Disease Control.

“A Multi-County and Multi-State Outbreak of Salmonella Enteriditis (group D) Among Oriental Restaurant and Market Patrons” Bill L. Toth, MPH, Donna Walsh, RN, BSN, Zuber Mulla, PhD, MSPH, Dean Bodager, RS, MPA, Roberta Hammond, PhD.