In the early spring of 2002, the Macomb County Health Department (MCHD) and Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) investigated a Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak associated with the Black Forest Cakes & Pastries shop in Macomb, Michigan. MCHD’s epidemiologic investigation into the outbreak established that illness was significantly associated with consumption of cannolis or cassata cakes made at the bakery. In addition, MDA’s environmental investigation of the shop revealed food handling practices that could have contributed to Salmonella contamination:
- Failure to properly sanitize equipment, utensils, and food contact surfaces.
- Sharing towels to dry surfaces and utensils.
- Failure to adequately emphasize frequent and effective hand washing.
Of the 196 individuals who reported illness, 46 tested positive for Salmonella Enteritidis and 24 were hospitalized. Four food samples from the Black Forest Cakes and Pastries shop also tested positive for Salmonella.
Marler Clark represented over 30 people who became ill with Salmonella infections after eating cannolis and cassata cake from Black Forest Cakes & Pastries in claims against the bakery.