At least 251 people in 37 states have become ill with one of three strains of Salmonella in connection with live chicks and ducklings sold by Cincinnati-based Mt. Healthy Hatcheries, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That number is nearly double the 126 cases reported last month. Of the 251 people found sick, at least 32 percent have been hospitalized. Illnesses developed between Feb. 4, 2014 ,and June 4, 2014. Any illnesses that developed after June 4 may not have been counted yet. Those ill range in age from younger than one to 95 years old. Thirty-nine percent of those ill are 10 years old or younger. Young children are especially vulnerable to pathogens regularly found on live poultry. CDC encourages anyone handling poultry to wash their hands with soap and hot water immediately afterward. Adults are advised to supervise children carefully when handling poultry to make sure they follow those recommended procedures. Below is a distribution map of illnesses by state, a timetable for illness onset dates, and a short video produced by Food Safety News on the risks associated with improperly handling live poultry.
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.
This is part 1 of a 3-part series.
An unlicensed meat producer and poor hygiene at a restaurant played a role in a Salmonella outbreak in an Australian state,
Almost 500 people were sick in a major E. coli outbreak in Germany in 2025, according to recently released figures from a regional State Office for Health and Social Affairs.
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
Foods Alive Inc of Angola, IN, is recalling its 8-ounce packages of organic moringa leaf powder because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.
The recalled organic
A young girl has died in Australia from a serious condition that develops after an E. coli infection.
The 3-year-old girl fell ill after visiting a farm in
Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial end of summer for many Americans, bringing one last round of backyard barbecues, picnics and gatherings with family and friends.
But as summer winds
Another outbreak of Salmonella infections related to fresh sprouts is under investigation, this time in Washington and Montana.
The implicated broccoli sprouts are produced by Evergreen Sprouts LLC of Idaho.
