Salmonella outbreak that sickened over 90 people linked to NJ company

Over 90 illnesses, including 12 in New Jersey, caused by salmonella have been linked to a company based in North Brunswick, federal officials said.

The potential source of the outbreak is Tailor Cut Produce, the Food and Drug Administration said Thursday. The company recalled Fruit Luau mix, cut honeydew, cut cantaloupe and cut pineapple products that are distributed in Pennsylvania, New York, Delaware and New Jersey.

At least 10 other states have reported illnesses, federal officials said. As of Dec. 30, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 96 illnesses confirmed by whole genome sequencing. There have been 27 hospitalizations for the illness but no deaths reported.

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Salmonella is a group of bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal illness and fever called salmonellosis, according to the FDA. People can develop symptoms 12 to 72 hours after infection; they can include diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps. Salmonellosis can last four to seven days, and people recover without treatment.

The FDA recommends rinsing items in clean running water without using cleaners or soaps, and then drying the produce with a clean cloth towel or paper towel.

In June, an outbreak of salmonella from fresh papayas was investigated, the CDC reported. In that instance, 12 people from New Jersey fell ill.

Keldy Ortiz is a breaking news reporter for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to all the major news happening in North Jersey, subscribe here. To get breaking news directly to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter.

Email: ortizk@northjersey.com Twitter: @KeldyOrtiz