History of Major Foodborne Illness Outbreaks in the U.S.

Recent investigations into cyclospora and salmonella outbreaks are drawing parallels to past foodborne illness crises in the U.S. As of August 4, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 10,468 lab-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis since May 1, connected to Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce from Mexico. Additionally, more than 12,255 unconfirmed cases have emerged, especially in Michigan, where two fatalities occurred. Jalapeño peppers from Mexico have caused at least 345 salmonella cases across 27 states, with three dozen hospitalizations. Mexican food chains like Chipotle and Qdoba have removed jalapeños from their menus in response.

Historical Outbreaks

Despite widespread attention, the current outbreaks are less fatal than several notorious historical cases.

Contaminated Oysters (1924)

In 1924, tainted oysters contaminated with Salmonella Typhi caused a typhoid fever outbreak, killing 150 people and affecting around 1,500, according to Michigan State University. Victims experienced severe illness, leading to the establishment of the National Shellfish Sanitation Program.

Mexican-Style Cheese (1985)

A 1985 outbreak in Los Angeles County was traced to unpasteurized milk used in soft Mexican cheese. Out of 142 cases, more than half were pregnant women or their children. The outbreak resulted in 28 deaths and was linked to Jalisco Mexican Products Inc.

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

During 1992-1993, undercooked hamburgers at Jack in the Box led to an E. coli outbreak, killing four children and sickening over 700 people across four states. This led to significant regulatory changes, including the adoption of a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point system by the USDA.

Schwan’s Ice Cream (1994)

A nationwide salmonella outbreak in 1994 sickened an estimated 224,000 people. The contamination originated from tanker trailers transporting pasteurized ice cream premix that previously carried non-pasteurized liquid eggs with salmonella, as reported by the National Library of Medicine.

E. Coli in Spinach (2006)

In 2006, E. coli linked to contaminated spinach affected 199 people across 26 states, killing three. Investigations found the source to be a California field near cattle grazing land. Contaminated river water and feces from cattle and wild pigs were also identified.

Peanut Butter (2008-09)

Peanut butter contaminated with salmonella killed nine people and led to a 28-year prison sentence for Stewart Parnell, former CEO of the Peanut Corporation of America. The company misled customers about salmonella presence, prompting a significant food recall.

Contaminated Cantaloupes (2011)

Jensen Farms’ cantaloupes in 2011 caused a listeriosis outbreak, killing 33 and sickening 147. Farmers Eric and Ryan Jensen were convicted due to poor sanitation practices and received probation.

The Associated Press contributed to this historical overview of foodborne illness outbreaks.