1990 Outbreak of Salmonella Reading Linked to Turkey at a Hospital Cafeteria, Connecticut
Improperly thawed and cooked turkey was the cause of an outbreak of Salmonella Reading at a Connecticut hospital cafeteria. Turkey salad, turkey sandwiches, and chef's salad with turkey were served in the hospital cafeteria and were on the inpatient menu every day. Frozen 18-20-pound turkey breasts were routinely cooked in a slow roaster oven for 5 hours at 250 F (121 C), then for 10 hours at 160 F (71 C); however, core temperatures were not measured. After cooking, turkey dishes were kept refrigerated for up to 72 hours.
- Outbreak began:
- October 1990
- Affected Country:
- US
- Affected States/Territories:
- N/A
- Organism(s):
-
- Salmonella
- Vehicle(s):
- Poultry, Turkey
- Molecular Results Available:
- Unknown
- Test Results:
- None
- Location(s):
- Hospital Cafeteria
- Brand Name(s):
- Total ill:
- 27
- Number ill by Case Definition Known:
- Yes
- Number Laboratory Confirmed Cases:
- 27
- Number Probable Cases:
- 0
- Number Possible Cases:
- 0
- Anyone Hospitalized:
- Unknown
- Number Hospitalized:
- Unknown
- Any Deaths:
- Unknown
- Number Dead:
- Unknown
- Any References:
- Yes