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Jalapeno Pepper Provided by Ill Patient Tests Positive for Salmonella Saintpaul

By Pritzker | Ruohonen

Investigators have linked a confirmed case of  Salmonella Saintpaul infection to a contaminated jalapeno pepper. The multistate outbreak of Salmonella Saintpaul has over 1,300 confirmed cases in 43 states, the District of Columbia, and Canada.  Last week, the FDA confirmed a jalapeno pepper sample at a distribution center tested positive for the outbreak strain.  Now, the Laboratory Services Division of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has confirmed that a jalapeno provided by an ill patient also tested positive for the outbreak strain--the first pepper that has been directly linked to human illness.

The La Junta TribuneDemocrat reports that the pepper was purchased at a local Wal-Mart around the June 24.  The individual who purchased the pepper became sick on July 4.  The Colorado State Health Department is working with the FDA to determine the origin of the pepper.  The FDA has issued a warning to consumers about raw imported jalapenos, especially those grown in Mexico.

Full post as published by Food Poisoning Law Blog on July 29, 2008 (boomark / email).