In the process of the epidemiologic investigation, MDH was notified that two San Antonio Taco Company employees tested positive for Salmonella newport, the same strain that had been isolated from ill restaurant patrons. The pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) testing for one of the employees showed an indistinguishable DNA match with the results of 30 isolates from stool samples submitted by case-patients for testing. In addition, leftover salsa obtained from one of the ill patrons tested positive for Salmonella newport.
MDA concluded that possible sources for food contamination were:
- Employees contaminating the food by using improper hand-washing methods
PRESS RELEASE:Suit Filed Against San Antonio Taco Company for Salmonella Newport Contamination