Investigation of E. Coli O157 Infections Associated with Taco Bell Restaurants
The Food and Drug Administration announced December 6th that it is assisting in the investigation of an outbreak of E. coli O157 infection in consumers associated with eating food from several Taco Bell restaurants in Northeastern states. FDA said it was actively working with state and local health officials, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the firm, suppliers and distributors to determine the cause of the sicknesses and prevent additional infections.
States reporting probable cases associated with the outbreak are: New Jersey (20); New York (15); Pennsylvania (7); and Delaware (1). Additional cases are suspected in these states and in Connecticut. Thirty five individuals have been hospitalized, three with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). No deaths were reported up to December 2. CDC first reported that the first reported onset of illness connected with this outbreak occurred on November 20, 2006.