Potential Salmonella Exposure at Chicago Grocery Store

August 10, 2019

Elena Ivanova    elena.ivanova@cityofchicago.org

 

CHICAGO - The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) is investigating an outbreak of Salmonella, a bacteria that is a common cause of food poisoning. Since the beginning of July 2019, at least four people became ill after consuming pork tamales or carnitas served from the deli section of the Sun View Produce establishment at 6110 W 63rd St, Chicago, IL 60638.

If you have pork tamales, carnitas or other hot foods purchased from the deli section of this establishment since July 1, 2019 in your freezer, do not eat—discard.

If you ate food purchased from the deli section since July 1, 2019, you may have been exposed to Salmonella. If you are experiencing severe diarrhea, symptoms of dehydration or high fever, seek medical attention.

As of August 5, 2019, implicated food items are no longer available at the store. There is no evidence that food made after this date was contaminated. CDPH performed an environmental assessment of the grocery store and provided guidance on safe food handling practices and environmental cleaning to prevent further spread of disease. CDPH has also issued an alert to area physicians about the outbreak, providing medical guidance.

Salmonella symptoms usually last four to seven days and most individuals recover without any treatment. Most people who are infected develop diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps between 12 and 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Although most infections resolve without antibiotics, older individuals or those with weakened immune systems may need medical evaluation and treatment. For more information on Salmonella, visit www.cdc.gov/salmonella.

CDPH is monitoring closely for additional reports of illness. If you experienced diarrheal illness after consuming foods from this establishment, contact the Chicago Department of Public Health by calling 312-746-SICK (7425) to file a suspected food poisoning complaint.

 

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