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During the past several years, multiple foodborne outbreaks of enteric pathogens have been widely publicized. In June of this year, the CDC announced its investigation of 52 people in 17 states with Salmonella wandsworth infection. The investigation identified a strong association between the illness and the consumption of a popular snack food of puffed rice and corn with a vegetable coating, called Veggie Booty.
Most of the individuals in this outbreak were children younger than 10 who developed bloody diarrhea. Eleven percent of patients were hospitalized. No fatalities have been reported to date. The manufacturer (Robert’s American Gourmet) has issued a voluntary recall. Salmonella has not yet been isolated from any samples of the product.
Salmonella wandsworth outbreak investigation, June 2007. CDC 2007 Jun 28. (http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/wandsworth_062807.htm)
FDA Warns Consumers Not to Eat Veggie Booty Snack Food: Risk of Salmonella Contamination. FDA News 2007 Jun 28. (http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2007/NEW01661.html)
Comment
This outbreak is an excellent example of the high yield of bacterial culture in children who present with bloody diarrhea. Reporting cases to public health agencies remains critical for early recognition of contaminated foods. Pediatricians can also inform families about potentially unsafe products by posting recalls in their offices. In this instance, families should discard any unopened or partially consumed Veggie Booty. Patients who consumed the product more than 4 or 5 days ago may be reassured that they have passed the incubation period and have no further cause for concern.