Top 17 Most Devastating Foodborne Illness Outbreaks in the U.S. History (2025 Update)

Foodborne illnesses pose a significant health risk across the U.S., affecting millions annually and causing thousands of fatalities. Understanding these outbreaks helps raise awareness and improve food safety practices.

Each year, approximately one in six Americans suffers from food poisoning. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that these incidents lead to roughly 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths nationwide.

Food poisoning occurs when harmful bacteria or toxins contaminate food. Salmonella remains the leading cause of hospitalization due to foodborne illness in the U.S., with over 19,000 cases annually.

Contamination can happen through various channels, including:

• Poor food handling techniques
• Unsafe farming practices
• Manufacturing and distribution contamination
• Retail store mishandling

Below, we detail some of the most significant foodborne illness outbreaks in recent U.S. history, including symptoms and prevention tips.

Salmonella infections typically resolve within 4 to 7 days. Symptoms like diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps usually appear between 12 to 72 hours after exposure. Treatment may involve antidiarrheal medication, antibiotics, and hydration therapy.

2009: PCA Peanut Butter Salmonella Crisis

The Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) was responsible for a major Salmonella outbreak that sickened 714 people and caused nine deaths. This led to a recall of over 3,600 peanut butter products and ultimately the company's bankruptcy.

2011: Cargill Ground Turkey Recall

Cargill recalled 36 million pounds of ground turkey suspected of contamination with an antibiotic-resistant Salmonella strain. The outbreak resulted in at least one death and 136 illnesses across 34 states.

2013: Foster Farms Chicken Contamination

Foster Farms chicken was linked to 634 Salmonella infections spanning 29 states and Puerto Rico. Despite the widespread cases, no fatalities were reported. The company voluntarily recalled all its chicken products.

2015: Mexican Cucumbers Salmonella Outbreak

Imported cucumbers from Mexico caused Salmonella infections in 907 individuals across 40 states, resulting in over 200 hospitalizations and six deaths. Andrew & Williamson Fresh Produce issued two separate recalls.

E. coli bacteria naturally inhabit the intestines of humans and animals, but certain strains produce toxins causing severe illness. Symptoms typically emerge 3 to 4 days post-exposure and include diarrhea, bloody stools, abdominal pain, vomiting, and occasional fever.

Antibiotics are ineffective against toxin-producing E. coli, and some treatments may increase complication risks. Management focuses on hydration, rest, and hospitalization in severe cases.

1993: Jack in the Box Hamburger Tragedy

Contaminated meat from Jack in the Box led to four deaths and hundreds of illnesses in Washington and California. This outbreak sparked nationwide food safety reforms and heightened regulations.

2006: Dole Baby Spinach E. coli Outbreak

Uncooked spinach linked to E. coli infections caused three deaths, 31 kidney failures, and over 200 illnesses in 26 states. Dole recalled all bagged spinach during the outbreak. The contamination was traced back to a cattle ranch leasing land to a spinach farm.

2006: Taco Bell Lettuce E. coli Incident

Contaminated lettuce from California caused 71 illnesses and eight kidney failures among Taco Bell customers in five states. This led to stricter lettuce handling regulations in the affected regions.

2015: Chipotle Mexican Grill E. coli Outbreaks

Two separate E. coli outbreaks at Chipotle affected 60 people across 11 states, resulting in 22 hospitalizations but no deaths. The exact sources remain unconfirmed.

Botulism Outbreaks and Their Impact

Botulism symptoms usually appear 18 to 36 hours after exposure and include difficulty swallowing or speaking, blurred vision, abdominal pain, muscle weakness, and paralysis. Treatment requires hospitalization, antitoxins, and supportive care.

1977: Trini & Carmen’s Hot Sauce Botulism Outbreak

In Pontiac, Michigan, 58 people fell ill due to botulism from improperly home-canned jalapeño peppers used in hot sauce at Trini & Carmen’s restaurant. The establishment was closed, and contaminated products were confiscated; no deaths occurred.

2015: Ohio Home-Canned Potatoes Botulism Incident

The largest botulism outbreak in 40 years struck Fairfield County, Ohio, sickening 29 people and causing one death. The source was improperly canned potatoes served at a church picnic.

Listeria infections are particularly hazardous for pregnant women, newborns, elderly adults, and immunocompromised individuals. Pregnant women are ten times more susceptible, risking miscarriage, stillbirth, or newborn infection.

Symptoms include headaches, confusion, loss of balance, seizures, fever, fatigue, and muscle aches. Treatment involves antibiotics.

1985: Jalisco Products Cheese Listeria Outbreak

Over eight months, 142 people in Los Angeles County were infected, leading to 10 newborn deaths, 18 adult fatalities, and 20 miscarriages. The outbreak was linked to unpasteurized Mexican soft cheeses from Jalisco Products, which voluntarily recalled products.

1998-1999: Listeria in Hot Dogs

Contaminated hot dogs affected at least 100 people in 24 states, causing 14 adult deaths and four miscarriages. The outbreak involved multiple brands, including Sara Lee, originating from Bil Mar Foods’ plant in Michigan.

2002: Pilgrim’s Pride Turkey Meat Listeria Outbreak

Sliced turkey deli meat caused widespread infections across eight states, resulting in seven adult deaths and three stillbirths. Pilgrim’s Pride recalled 27.4 million pounds of poultry products.

2011: Cantaloupe Listeria Tragedy

Contaminated cantaloupes from Jensen Farms in Colorado led to 147 illnesses and 33 deaths, marking one of the deadliest outbreaks in recent history.

Hepatitis A Foodborne Outbreaks

Hepatitis A affects the liver and presents symptoms like fever, jaundice, dark urine, abdominal pain, joint pain, vomiting, and appetite loss. While no specific treatment exists, rest, hydration, and nutrition are recommended. Vaccination is advised for children over 12 months and at-risk adults.

1997: Frozen Strawberries Hepatitis A Outbreak

A hepatitis A outbreak linked to frozen strawberries in Michigan affected 153 people, primarily through a federal school lunch program across six states.

2003: Chi-Chi’s Salsa Hepatitis A Crisis

Contaminated green onions imported from Mexico caused the largest hepatitis A outbreak at a Chi-Chi’s restaurant in Pennsylvania, infecting 555 people and causing three deaths. The outbreak led to vaccinations and the restaurant's closure.

2016: Tropical Smoothie Cafe Hepatitis A Incident

Frozen strawberries imported from Egypt caused hepatitis A infections in 143 people across nine states after consuming smoothies, with 56 hospitalizations but no fatalities.

How to Protect Yourself from Foodborne Illnesses

Government food recalls, inspections, and regulations play critical roles in food safety. To minimize your risk:

• Stay informed about food recalls and outbreaks
• Discard any suspected contaminated or spoiled food
• Practice safe food handling and hygiene
• Seek medical attention for severe symptoms such as bloody stools, prolonged diarrhea, intense abdominal pain, dehydration, blurred vision, or high fever

Vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant individuals, elderly, and those with weakened immune systems should exercise extra caution. For ongoing updates, visit the CDC’s official website.

Explore useful articles in Sexual Wellness as of 10-02-2017. The article titled " Top 17 Most Devastating Foodborne Illness Outbreaks in the U.S. History (2025 Update) " offers in-depth analysis and practical advice in the Sexual Wellness field. Each article is carefully crafted by experts to provide maximum value to readers.

The " Top 17 Most Devastating Foodborne Illness Outbreaks in the U.S. History (2025 Update) " article expands your knowledge in Sexual Wellness, keeps you informed about the latest developments, and helps you make well-informed decisions. Each article is based on unique content, ensuring originality and quality.