The FDA is reporting that Pico de Gallo was behind a Salmonella outbreak that sickened almost 40 people.
Although investigators identified the cause of the outbreak, the Food and Drug Administration is not reporting what brand of Pico de Gallo was implicated. The agency reported that 37 people were sickened in the outbreak, but did not report where they live. The FDA first reported the outbreak on June 14.
“For the outbreak of Salmonella Paratyphi B var. L(+) tartrate+ the outbreak has ended and FDA’s investigation has closed. CDC, FDA, and state and local partners conducted epidemiologic and traceback investigations and identified Pico de Gallo as the source of the outbreak,” according to an FDA report released Wednesday.
The FDA reported that its investigators took samples of the product as well as environmental samples of the production facility, but all of the samples came back negative for the outbreak strain. The agency’s statement says there is no risk to consumers.
“Due to the lack of additional supporting evidence, investigators were unable to determine a specific ingredient within the Pico de Gallo or contributing factors as the source of the contamination. Additionally, once investigators had enough information to confirm Pico de Gallo as the source of this outbreak, the products were past their shelf life and no longer available for sale,” the FDA reported.
Cyclospora outbreak
In an outbreak of infections from the microscopic cyclospora parasite, the FDA is reporting that the patient count is 72, up from 69 a week ago. The FDA has not released any patient information and is not reporting where the sick people live. The agency first reported the outbreak on June 14.
FDA investigators have begun traceback efforts as well as onsite inspections and sample analysis. However, the agency has not reported what food is being traced or what location is being inspected.
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