Health officials in Arizona’s Maricopa County have identified an E. coli outbreak linked to a local Mexican restaurant that has sickened at least 11 people and may be responsible for 4 additional cases. Of the 15 cases of bloody diarrhea reported to the Maricopa County Health Department since July 25, 11 reported eating at Federico’s Mexican Restaurant in Litchfield Park prior to falling ill. Preliminary test results are showing that the patients contracted E. coli O157 infections. The Maricopa County Environmental Services Department visited the restaurant and has collected food samples to test for pathogens. “Unfortunately, there is still much to uncover about this outbreak such as what specific food may have been contaminated, how the food was contaminated and how many people have been exposed. As we discover this information, we will continue to share with the public,” said Dr Bob England, director of MCDPH in a press release Friday. Only one Federico’s location — at 13132 W Camelback in Litchfield Park — has been implicated in the outbreak. That location has closed voluntarily while investigators attempt to determine the outbreak source. “The restaurant has been extremely cooperative with our investigation. In fact, out of an abundance of caution and concern for their customers, the restaurant is voluntarily closing,” said Steven Goode, deputy director of MCESD.
Symptoms of E. coli infection generally appear 3-4 days after infection and include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea and sometimes vomiting.MCDPH urges anyone who ate at the Federico’s location linked to the outbreak on or after July 23, 2013 and has experienced bloody diarrhea after eating there to contact the health department at 602-747-7500.
The News Desk team at Food Safety News covers breaking developments, regulatory updates, recalls, and key topics shaping food safety today. These articles are produced collaboratively by our editorial staff.
The root cause of a large E. coli outbreak in the United Kingdom in 2024 remains unknown with authorities warning a re-emergence is possible.
Almost 300 people fell ill with
Authorities in Lithuania are investigating two cases of foodborne botulism linked to fish sold at a market.
The State Food and Veterinary Service (VMVT) conducted an inspection at a market
A second U.S. resident has died from the bird flu.
The Washington Department of Health reported that the Grays Harbor County resident was an older person who had a
As part of its enforcement activities, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration sends warning letters to entities under its jurisdiction. Some letters are not posted for public view until
JCB Flavors LLC of Watertown, WI, is voluntarily recalling select topical seasoning products because of the potential presence of Salmonella.
This recall is being initiated because the affected products were
My Wife’s Slaw is voluntarily recalling its Original and Jalapeno Heat flavored coleslaw sold in 8-ounce and 16-ounce glass mason jars. The products included in this recall are adulterated
Stoltzfus Family Dairy of Vernon Center, NY, is recalling Sour Cream & Onion cheese curds because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.
To date, Stoltzfus Family Dairy
