1998 United States listeriosis outbreak

1998 United States listeriosis outbreak

The 1998 United States listeriosis outbreak was a significant foodborne illness event caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. This outbreak was one of the most severe instances of listeriosis in the United States, leading to numerous illnesses and fatalities.

Background

Listeriosis is a serious infection usually caused by eating food contaminated with the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. The disease primarily affects pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of listeriosis include fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea or diarrhea. In severe cases, the infection can spread to the nervous system, causing meningitis or encephalitis.

Outbreak Details

The 1998 outbreak was traced back to contaminated hot dogs and deli meats produced by the Sara Lee Corporation at its Bil Mar Foods plant in Zeeland, Michigan. The contamination was discovered after a series of listeriosis cases were reported across multiple states.

Impact

The outbreak resulted in 101 confirmed cases of listeriosis, leading to 21 deaths and 6 miscarriages or stillbirths. The high mortality rate associated with this outbreak highlighted the severe impact of Listeria monocytogenes on vulnerable populations.

Response

In response to the outbreak, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) launched an investigation to identify the source of the contamination. The Sara Lee Corporation issued a massive recall of its products, and the Bil Mar Foods plant underwent extensive cleaning and sanitation procedures.

Aftermath

The 1998 listeriosis outbreak led to increased awareness and changes in food safety regulations. The USDA implemented stricter guidelines for the production of ready-to-eat meats, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) increased its oversight of food processing facilities to prevent future outbreaks.

Related Pages

• Listeriosis
• Listeria monocytogenes
• Foodborne illness
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• United States Department of Agriculture
• Food safety