2003 Outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 Linked to Pat & Oscar's Restaurants, California
The San Diego County Health Department began investigating multiple cases of E.coli O157:H7. The investigation revealed that pre-mixed, packaged lettuce was implicated in the illnesses. These lettuce mixes were used by various outlets of the Pat & Oscar's restaurant chain. Three children from three school districts also became ill. At least 13 school districts received the lettuces mixes for the school lunch programs. Traceback and environmental investigations implicated a “70/30 lettuce mix” and a “4-way-bite-size” lettuce mix manufactured by Gold Coast Produce (GCP), an unregistered food processor, in Oxnard, California. Iceberg lettuce and romaine were the only common ingredients in the 70/30 lettuce mix and the 4-way-bit-size lettuce mix.
- Outbreak began:
- September 2003
- Affected Country:
- US
- Affected States/Territories:
- California
- Organism(s):
-
- E. coli O157:H7
- Vehicle(s):
- Vegetable, Leafy greens, packaged
- Molecular Results Available:
- Unknown
- Test Results:
- None
- Location(s):
- School, Restaurant
- Brand Name(s):
- Gold Coast Produce, Pat & Oscar's
- Product Subject to Recall:
- Yes
-
- Recall Links:
- http://sandiegohealth.org/news/mr100803-ecoli.pdf
- Total ill:
- 51
- Number ill by Case Definition Known:
- Unknown
- Number Laboratory Confirmed Cases:
- N/A
- Number Probable Cases:
- N/A
- Number Possible Cases:
- N/A
- Anyone Hospitalized:
- Yes
- Number Hospitalized:
- 11
- Any Deaths:
- No
- Number Dead:
- 0
- Any References:
- Yes
-
- References:
- http://www.marlerclark.com/case_news/detail/e-coli
- http://www.marlerclark.com/case_news/detail/two-sc
- http://www.marlerclark.com/case_news/detail/local-
- http://sandiegohealth.org/news/mr102303-ecoliupdat
- http://www.marlerclark.com/case_news/view/gold-coa
- http://www.cdph.ca.gov/pubsforms/Documents/fdb eru