Cross-contamination due to inadequate sanitation at a processing facility caused a 2021 seafood Salmonella outbreak that sickened 115 people in 15 states, a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has found. After the outbreak strain was found in the Northeast Seafood Products processing facility, located at 4555 Kingston St. in Denver, the company halted operations and later permanently closed that location.
When the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) inspected the facility on September 22, 2021, it collected 132 environmental swabs 13 of which tested positive for the outbreak strain. Inspectors also noted several violations that could result in cross-contamination including:
- Use of high-pressure hoses that produced backsplash onto fresh product.
- Insufficient concentration in sanitizer.
- Condensation dripping onto product contact surfaces.
- Not changing gloves after using gloved hands to remove water from floor drains.
Seafood Salmonella Recall
The test results prompted Northeast Seafood Products of Denver to issue a seafood Salmonella recall in connection with the Salmonella outbreak. It included Haddock, Monkfish, Bone-in Trout, Grouper, Red Snapper, Red Rock Cod, Ocean Perch, Pacific Cod, Halibut, Coho Salmon, Atlantic Salmon Portions, Lane Snapper, Tilapia, All-Natural Salmon Fillet, Pacific Sole, Farm-Raised Striped Bass. These products were sold to restaurants and retailers such as Albertsons, Safeway, and Sprouts stores in Colorado. Some of the fish was used to make sushi.
Did you get a Salmonella infection from contaminated seafood?
Seafood and Sushi Salmonella Outbreak
Symptoms of a Salmonella infection include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea that can be bloody. These symptoms usually develop within six to 72 hours.
The people sickened in this outbreak ranged in age from less than 1 to 85 years old. The number of cases reported from each state is: Arizona (1), California (1) Colorado (93), Connecticut (1), Iowa (1), Minnesota (2), Missouri (1), Nebraska (2), New Jersey (2), Pennsylvania (1), Texas (2), Virginia (3), Washington (1) Wisconsin (2) and Wyoming (2).
Salmonella Lawyers with Experience
If you or a loved one developed a Salmonella infection and would like a free consultation with an experienced Salmonella lawyer, please contact us. The Pritzker Hageman Salmonella Legal Team has represented clients in every major Salmonella outbreak in the U.S. You can reach us by calling 1-888-377-8900, sending a text to 612-261-0856, or by completing the form below. There is no obligation and we don’t get paid unless we win.