Protecting families from contaminated food and water
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Protecting families from contaminated food and water
Posted in Our Blog,Outbreaks & Recalls,Salmonella on October 2, 2023
King County Department of Health is currently investigating a Salmonella outbreak linked to the Seattle restaurant, CrackleMi Café. So far, three different people from three different households sickened with the same strain of Salmonella reported eating at CrackleMi Café prior to becoming ill.
The restaurant, located at 709 N. 35th St. is currently closed as the investigation continues.
The King County Department of Health indicates that since August 21, 2023, there have been three separate reports of Salmonella illness linked to the CrackleMi Café in Seattle. So far there have been no reports of hospitalization or deaths associated with this outbreak.
The three outbreak patients were between 23 and 38 years of age. All three presented with one or more symptoms consistent with salmonellosis – the illness associated with Salmonella infection. This prompted testing to diagnose this illness.
Screening indicated the patients were potentially sickened with Salmonella bacteria. Confirmatory testing performed by growing the bacteria on a culture medium that would indicate the presence or absence of Salmonella bacteria determined that bacteria that was making the patients sick was Salmonella. Additional analysis with whole genome sequencing performed at the Washington State Public Health Laboratory indicated that all three cases were from the same strain of Salmonella.
According to interview data, outbreak patients ate at the Seattle restaurant between August 7 and August 17, 2023. They began falling sick between August 16 and August 20, 2023.
While each patient reported eating a banh mi sandwich, they each ordered different types of banh mi sandwiches (e.g., pork, chicken, and egg banh mi).
In response to the cluster of illnesses linked to the CrackleMi Café, environmental health investigators paid the restaurant a visit. Investigators were onsite on September 19 and 20, 2023 to review the restaurant’s food preparation processes and observe the operation.
The restaurant, having a prior “OKAY” current inspection rating was observed to have several potentially contributing factors to the outbreak.
Potential observed activities that could have contributed to the outbreak include:
The restaurant voluntarily closed on September 20, 2023, to perform cleaning and disinfection protocols. According to the King County outbreak investigation page, “Public Health Investigators will verify cleaning and disinfection prior to reopening.”
Most people begin to feel sick somewhere between 6 hours and 6 days after exposure.
Symptoms often include:
These symptoms usually last around 4 to 7 days. Many people can recover without medical assistance, however some people become so sick they need hospitalization. Certain groups of people are at higher risk of infection and severe illness.
Some people are at higher risk of becoming sick and developing severe illness associated with Salmonella infection. This includes certain age groups and medical factors.
According to the CDC, children under 5 years old are “the most likely to get a Salmonella infection.”
Infants (children younger than 12 months old) who are not breast fed are more likely to get a Salmonella infection.
Infants and adults over 65 years of age are more likely to have severe infections.
People with a weakened immune system are also more likely to have severe infections. This weakened immune system could be a result of existing illness or disease, certain medications or treatments, or other factors.
Certain medications increase a person’s risk for becoming infected with Salmonella after exposure. For example, the CDC cites stomach acid reducers as a medication that may make you more likely to become sick with Salmonella infection after exposure. Other medications may affect your immune system or how your body responds to bacterial infection.
While the common symptoms of Salmonella may pass within a week, some people may not recover completely. Some people’s bowel habits may take a few months to return to normal.
Others may develop a type of pain or inflammation of the joints known as reactive arthritis. This generally occurs after the intestinal symptoms have resolved and can last for months or even years. This type of condition can be difficult to treat. Some people with reactive arthritis develop other symptoms as well. Irritations of the eyes and painful urination can be attributed to reactive arthritis.
Participating in the outbreak investigation is particularly important if you have Salmonella symptoms. Investigations such as this CrackleMi Café Salmonella outbreak investigation need your help to understand the scope of the outbreak. This helps prevent others from falling sick with the same illness.
If you are experiencing Salmonella infection symptoms or suspect you or someone you love may be sick with Salmonella infection, especially if symptoms are severe, the King County Department of Health advises you to seek medical attention from your primary care physician.
The CrackleMi Café Salmonella outbreak investigation is ongoing. The King County Health Department is still accepting reports from those potentially involved in the outbreak. According to the outbreak announcement, people who have become sick after eating at a King County food business should contact the department to report their illness.
It is a good idea to reach out to a food poisoning lawyer if you suspect that you are involved in the outbreak. A food poisoning lawyer can help answer your questions and navigate you through the process in the aftermath of the outbreak and assist you in a case, should you choose to pursue one.
If you are involved in the CrackleMi Café Salmonella outbreak, an experienced Salmonella lawyer like The Lange Law Firm can help. Reach out by email here or call (833) 330-3663 to reach a knowledgeable team that can help you understand your rights and help you with a free consultation.
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)