History of Notorious Foodborne Illness Outbreaks

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported significant outbreaks of cyclosporiasis and salmonella affecting numerous states. Since May 1, there have been 10,468 lab-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis, with these cases linked to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms sourced in Mexico. Additionally, over 12,255 unconfirmed cases have been reported, mainly in Michigan, where two deaths have occurred.

Jalapeño peppers, also from Mexico, have been connected to at least 345 salmonella cases across 27 states. More than three dozen individuals have been hospitalized due to this outbreak, causing food chains like Chipotle and Qdoba to remove jalapeños from their offerings.

Despite the current outbreaks gaining attention, their severity is less compared to historical foodborne illness incidents.

Historic Outbreaks in the U.S.

Oysters and Typhoid Fever (1924)

The deadliest outbreak in U.S. history involved Salmonella Typhi in contaminated oysters in 1924, resulting in 150 deaths and affecting about 1,500 people. Michigan State University researchers note the tainted oysters were likely distributed from a company in West Sayville, New York. This crisis led to the creation of the National Shellfish Sanitation Program.

Mexican-Style Cheese (1985)

In Los Angeles County, a 1985 outbreak resulted from soft Mexican cheese made with unpasteurized milk, causing 142 cases. More than half involved pregnant women or their children, with 28 deaths, according to the New England Journal of Medicine. The source was traced to Jalisco Mexican Projects Inc.

Jack in the Box E. Coli Outbreak (1992-1993)

This outbreak resulted in the deaths of four children and sickened over 700 people across four states. It was linked to undercooked hamburgers at Jack in the Box. The CDC identified five U.S. slaughter plants and one in Canada as sources. The aftermath resulted in changes to U.S. regulatory practices and implementation of the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point system.

Schwan’s Ice Cream and Salmonella (1994)

In 1994, Schwan’s Company ice cream caused a salmonella outbreak affecting around 224,000 people. The contamination came from tanker trailers previously used for transporting non-pasteurized liquid eggs, as identified by the National Library of Medicine.

Spinach and E. Coli (2006)

Contaminated fresh spinach led to a 2006 E. coli outbreak affecting 199 people across 26 states. Three died in this incident. The contamination originated from a spinach field in California near cattle grazing land, confirmed by USDA investigations which found contaminated water and animal feces.

Peanut Butter Salmonella Outbreak (2008-09)

Peanut Corporation of America’s salmonella-tainted peanut butter caused nine deaths and affected hundreds. CEO Stewart Parnell received a 28-year prison sentence. The indictment highlighted the company’s fraudulent practices, including fabricating safety certificates despite lab tests showing contamination.

Contaminated Cantaloupes (2011)

A listeriosis outbreak due to cantaloupes from Jensen Farms, Colorado led to 33 deaths and 147 illnesses. Farm owners Eric and Ryan Jensen received five years probation for failing to adequately wash the melons, facilitating the outbreak.