--- title: My view of 30 Years of the largest and most unforgettable Foodborne Illness Outbreaks in the United States date: 2022-11-13T10:11:00-08:00 author: Julie Dueck canonical_url: "https://marlerclark.com/news_events/my-view-of-30-years-of-largest-and-most-unforgettable-foodborne-illness-outbreaks-in-the-united-states" section: News --- [All News](/news_events) / [Outbreaks](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/outbreaks) / # My view of 30 Years of the largest and most unforgettable Foodborne Illness Outbreaks in the United States Over the last 30 years, I have had a front seat to most every large Foodborne Illness Outbreak in the United States. Years ago, I could quickly recall each of them. Perhaps as I have grown a bit older, or perhaps there are now just too many to count? I thank the work my team has done to create [www.outbreakdatabase.com](http://www.outbreakdatabase.com/) to help us all remember and to perhaps, not forget. Here are some of the larger from each year, and some just unforgettable, outbreaks: Jack in the Box Hamburger E. coli [Outbreak](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00020219.htm) 1993 – Over 700 sickened across five states with four children dead and over 100 with hemolytic uremic syndrome due to undercooked E. coli-tainted hamburger. We had the honor to represent [Brianne Kiner](https://marlerclark.com/20#slide-1). Schwan’s Ice Cream Salmonella [Outbreak](http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00032868.htm) 1994 – Estimated 224,000 sickened across United States due to cross-contamination of raw eggs. Salmonella [Outbreak](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00039423.htm) linked to Beef Jerky 1995 – At least 95 people in New Mexico sicken with two types of Salmonella from locally produced beef jerky. Norovirus [Outbreak](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00049999.htm) linked to Raw Oysters 1996 – 493 sickened in at least five states from oysters harvested in Louisiana waterways. Odwalla Apple Juice E. coli [Outbreak](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00044358.htm) 1996 – At least 70 sickened in three states and Canada with one death and several hemolytic uremic syndrome cases linked to commercially sold unpasteurized apple juice. A $1,400,000 criminal misdemeanor charge was levied against the company. We had the honor to represent [Michael Beverly](https://marlerclark.com/20#slide-2). Vibrio [Outbreak](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/187732) linked to Raw Oysters 1997 – Over 200 sickened with one death linked to eating raw oysters harvested in California, Oregon, Washington, and Canada. White Water Park E. coli Outbreak 1998 – 26 culture confirmed cases linked to exposure in a wading pool with one death and six with hemolytic uremic syndrome. We had the honor to represent [Jordan Shook](https://marlerclark.com/20#slide-3). Malt-O-Meal Cereal Salmonella [Outbreak](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00053368.htm) 1998 – This multi-state outbreak sickened over 200, with nearly 50 hospitalizations in 10 states. E. coli [Outbreak](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm4836a4.htm) linked to Water at Washington County Fair 1999 – 921 people who attended the fair were sickened by either E. coli or Campylobacter with several developing hemolytic uremic syndrome with two deaths due to consuming unchlorinated water. Sizzler E. coli Outbreak 2000 – There were at least 550 probable cases and 125 possible cases with one death linked to cross-contamination between raw meat and watermelon at two Wisconsin Sizzler restaurants. Raw Milk Butter E. coli Outbreak 2001 ConAgra Beef E. coli [Outbreak](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5129a1.htm) 2002 – At least 34 cases, including several with hemolytic uremic syndrome and one death in several states linked to contaminated ground beef. We had the honor to represent [Thomas Kruc](https://marlerclark.com/20#slide-8). Chi-Chis Hepatitis A [Outbreak](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5247a5.htm) 2003 – Over 650 confirmed cases with five deaths in Pennsylvania linked to the consumption of Hepatitis A-tainted green onions. We had the honor to represent [Richard Miller](https://marlerclark.com/20#slide-9). Sheetz Tomato Salmonella [Outbreak](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5413a1.htm) 2004 – Nearly 300 Salmonella cases in five states linked to the consumption of tomatoes at Sheetz convenience stores. Cryptosporidium Outbreak linked to Water 2005 – Over 2,000 people from 20 New York counties were linked to illnesses from water at the Seneca Lake spray park. Peter Pan Peanut Butter Salmonella [Outbreak](https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/2007/peanut-butter-3-7-2007.html) 2006 – Over 600 people in 47 states were linked to the consumption of Salmonella-tainted peanut butter sold under the Peter Pan and Great Value brands. A $11,200,000 criminal misdemeanor charge was levied against the company. We had the honor to represent [Mora Lou Marshall](https://marlerclark.com/20#slide-12). Dole Baby Spinach E. coli [Outbreak](https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/2006/spinach-10-2006.html) 2006 – Over 200 were sickened, several with hemolytic uremic syndrome with five deaths linked to E. coli-tainted baby spinach grown in California. We had the honor to represent [Ashley Armstrong](https://marlerclark.com/20#slide-11). Topps Beef E. coli [Outbreak](https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/2007/ground-beef-patties-10-26-2007.html) 2007 – Nearly 50 cases in eight states with 20 hospitalized and two with hemolytic uremic syndrome linked to frozen beef patties. Cargill Beef E. coli Outbreak 2007 – We had the honor to represent [Stephanie Smith](https://marlerclark.com/20#slide-13). Peanut Corporation of America Salmonella [Outbreak](https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/2009/peanut-butter-2008-2009.html) 2007 – Over 700 people were sickened with hundreds hospitalized and nine deaths in 46 states and Canada due to Salmonella-tainted peanut butter. Felony criminal charges were filed against the president and several employees of the company. Two executives were sentenced to over 20 years in prison. ConAgra Pot Pie Salmonella [Outbreak](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5747a3.htm) 2007 – Over 400 people were sickened in 41 states after consuming ready to cook pot pies. Nebraska Beef E. coli [Outbreak](https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/2008/ground-beef-kroger-7-18-2008.html) 2008 – At least 50 people were sickened in eight states with 27 hospitalized due to E. coli-tainted ground beef. Nestle Tollhouse Cookie Dough E. coli [Outbreak](https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/2009/cookie-dough-6-30-2009.html) 2009 – Nearly 75 people with 32 hospitalized and 10 with hemolytic uremic syndrome in 30 states linked to the consumption of E. coli-tainted cookie dough. We had the honor to represent [Linda Rivera](https://marlerclark.com/20#slide-18). Wright County Egg Salmonella [Outbreak](https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/2010/shell-eggs-12-2-10.html) 2010 – Over 2,000 sickened across the United States linked to Salmonella-tainted eggs. A $7,000,000 criminal misdemeanor penalty was assessed and included three months in jail for two executives. We had the honor to represent [Sarah Lewis](https://marlerclark.com/20#slide-19). Cargill Ground Turkey Salmonella [Outbreak](https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/2011/ground-turkey-11-10-2011.html) 2011 – At least 136 people with 37 hospitalized and one death were linked to Salmonella-tainted turkey on 34 states. Jensen Farms Cantaloupe Listeria [Outbreak](https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/cantaloupes-jensen-farms/index.html) 2011 – 33 deaths with 147 illnesses were linked in 28 states to Listeria-tainted cantaloupe from Colorado. The owners pleaded guilty to five misdemeanor charges. We had the honor to represent [Paul Schwarz](https://marlerclark.com/20#slide-20). Tuna Scrape Salmonella [Outbreak](https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/bareilly-04-12/index.html) 2012 – At least 425 people with 55 hospitalized in 28 states linked to two strains of Salmonella ties to raw Tuna scrape. Foster Farms Chicken Salmonella [Outbreak](https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/heidelberg-10-13/index.html) 2013 – At lease 650 people were sickened with hundreds hospitalized due to Salmonella-tainted chicken. Townsend Farms Berry Hepatitis A [Outbreak](https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/outbreaks/2013/a1b-03-31/index.html) 2013 – Nearly 200 people were sickened in 10 states linked to Hepatitis A-tainted berries, some imported from Turkey. Salmonella [Outbreak](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6406a3.htm?s_cid=mm6406a3_e) linked to Cucumbers 2014 – Almost 300 people were sickened with dozens hospitalized in 29 states. Chipotle E. coli [Outbreak](https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/2015/o26-11-15/index.html) 2015 – Approximately 60 people were sickened with over 20 hospitalized in 12 states. A $25,000,000 criminal misdemeanor charge was levied against the company. Blue Bell Ice Cream Listeria [Outbreak](https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/ice-cream-03-15/index.html) 2015 – Only 10 were sickened in four states. A $19,500,000 criminal misdemeanor was charged. Salmonella [Outbreak](https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/poona-09-15/index.html) linked to Cucumbers 2015 – Over 900 were sickened with 200 hospitalized in 40 states linked to Salmonella-tainted cucumbers. Costco Chicken Salad E. coli [Outbreak](https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/2015/o157h7-11-15/index.html) 2015 – Only 19 people were sickened, some with several hemolytic uremic syndrome on seven states. We had the honor to represent [Chloe Rodgerson](https://marlerclark.com/20#slide-24). Hepatitis A [Outbreak](https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/outbreaks/2016/hav-strawberries.htm) linked to Strawberries 2016 – Nearly 150 people were sickened by Hepatitis A-tainted strawberries imported from Egypt. Hepatitis A [Outbreak](https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/fda-investigates-outbreak-hepatitis-illnesses-linked-raw-scallops#Product) linked to Scallops 2016 – Nearly 300 were sickened with 75 hospitalized and one death in Hawaii tied to imported scallops. We had the honor to represent [Shirlee Yuu](https://marlerclark.com/20#slide-25). I.M. Healthy Soy Nut Butter E. coli [Outbreak](https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/2017/o157h7-03-17/index.html) 2017 – Over 30 sickened with a dozen hospitalized linked to Salmonella-tainted Soy Nut Butter. Cyclospora [Outbreak](https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/cyclosporiasis/outbreaks/2017/index.html) linked to unknown cause 2017 – Over 1,000 Cyclospora cases likely linked to a food product in 36 states. Fareway Chicken Salad Salmonella [Outbreak](https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/typhimurium-02-18/index.html) 2018 – Nearly 300 were sickened by Salmonella-tainted chicken salad in eight states. JBS Meat Salmonella [Outbreak](https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/newport-10-18/index.html) 2018 – Over 400 sickened with over 150 hospitalized from Salmonella-tainted ground beef in 30 states. Caito Foods Fruit Salmonella [Outbreak](https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/carrau-04-19/index.html) 2019 – 137 linked to Salmonella-tainted cut fruit with 38 hospitalized in 10 states. Thomson Onion Salmonella [Outbreak](https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/newport-07-20/index.html) 2020 – Over 1,000 sickened with 150 hospitalized in 48 states tied to Salmonella-tainted onions. Salmonella [Outbreak](https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/oranienburg-09-21/index.html) linked to Onions 2021- Over 1,000 sickened with 260 hospitalized in 39 states tied to Salmonella-tainted onions. Wendy’s Leafy Green E. coli [Outbreak](https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/2022/o157h7-08-22/index.html) 2022 – Over 100 sickened with 52 hospitalized with 13 with hemolytic uremic syndrome likely linked to romaine lettuce. Big Olaf’s Ice Cream Listeria [Outbreak](https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/monocytogenes-06-22/index.html) 2022 – 28 sickened, 27 hospitalized with one death tied to Listeria-tainted ice cream. ### Lawsuit updates about foodborne illnesses [Reactive Arthritis Lawsuit Updates](/news_events/case-news?illness=reactive-arthritis&year=all) [E. coli Lawsuit Updates](/news_events/case-news?illness=e-coli&year=all) [Guillain-Barre Syndrome Lawsuit Updates](/news_events/case-news?illness=guillain-barre-syndrome&year=all) [Salmonella Lawsuit Updates](/news_events/case-news?illness=salmonella&year=all) [Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome Lawsuit Updates](/news_events/case-news?illness=hemolytic-uremic-syndrome&year=all) [Listeria Lawsuit Updates](/news_events/case-news?illness=listeria&year=all) [Irritable Bowel Syndrome Lawsuit Updates](/news_events/case-news?illness=irritable-bowel-syndrome&year=all) [Hepatitis A Lawsuit Updates](/news_events/case-news?illness=hepatitis-a&year=all) [Norovirus Lawsuit Updates](/news_events/case-news?illness=norovirus&year=all) [Botulism Lawsuit Updates](/news_events/case-news?illness=botulism&year=all) [Campylobacter Lawsuit Updates](/news_events/case-news?illness=campylobacter&year=all) [Shigella Lawsuit Updates](/news_events/case-news?illness=shigella&year=all) [Cyclospora Lawsuit Updates](/news_events/case-news?illness=cyclospora&year=all) ### Lawsuits updates by year [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 1998](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=1998) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 1999](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=1999) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2000](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2000) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2001](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2001) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2002](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2002) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2003](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2003) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2004](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2004) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2005](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2005) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2006](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2006) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2007](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2007) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2008](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2008) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2009](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2009) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2010](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2010) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2011](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2011) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2012](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2012) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2013](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2013) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2014](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2014) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2015](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2015) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2016](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2016) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2017](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2017) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2018](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2018) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2019](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2019) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2020](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2020) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2021](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2021) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2022](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2022) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2023](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2023) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2024](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2024) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2025](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2025) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2026](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2026) ##### Get Help #### Affected by an outbreak or recall? The team at Marler Clark is here to answer all your questions. Find out if you’re eligible for a lawsuit, what questions to ask your doctor, and more. [ Get a free consultation ](https://marlerclark.com/contact) ##### Outbreak Database #### Looking for a comprehensive list of outbreaks? The team at Marler Clark is here to answer all your questions. Find out if you’re eligible for a lawsuit, what questions to ask your doctor, and more. [ View Outbreak Database ](https://outbreakdatabase.com)