A Salmonella outbreak that sickened restaurant-goers last fall has now reached 39 states, according to an update earlier this week from the Centers for Disease Control.
Fifty new Salmonella cases have been reported since the CDC’s last update on Nov. 19, bringing the total to 888. Reports of illness have notably declined since September, the CDC says, but still remain higher than expected for this time of year.
Six deaths have also been connected to the outbreak, although Salmonella infection is not believed to be a “contributing factor” in two of those instances, the CDC notes.
The epidemic—which was tied to imported cucumbers distributed by Andrew & Williamson Fresh Produce—affected supermarkets and at least four restaurant chains, including In-N-Out, Red Lobster, Olive Garden and Capital Grille.
Foodborne illness has been top of mind for consumers of late, as Chipotle’s well-publicized food safety crises continue to make waves. Earlier this week, a suspected norovirus outbreak shut down a Maggiano’s unit in Washington after as many as 50 people fell ill, according to the Seattle Times.
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