Dec 05 2006
Taco Bell E. Coli Scare in New Jersey
Serious news out of New Jersey today:
An E. coli outbreak that has sickened at least 22 people — two of them seriously — was linked by health investigators Monday to three Taco Bell restaurants in New Jersey. Investigators also were examining whether an outbreak on Long Island was connected to the fast-food chain.
While the investigation was proceeding, several locations were closed:
Taco Bell on Tuesday boosted to nine the number of fast-food restaurants it had closed in New York and New Jersey after a suspected outbreak of the foodborne E. coli bacteria that may have sickened more than three dozen people.
But the division of Yum Brands Inc. said no new cases had been reported since November 29 and by midday it added that it was reopening the eight New York locations later on Tuesday.
How serious was this outbreak?
The two children are suffering from a serious kidney disorder that can sometimes result from infection by certain strains of the bacterium.
The outbreak of E. coli-related illness is the largest since one reported in mid-September that killed three people and sickened about 200. That outbreak was traced to bagged spinach grown in California.
This is a very serious situation. Considering the size and scope of Taco Bell restaurants, E. coli at the factory could cause problems for a lot of people. Fortunately, this was limited to a relatively small number of locations in New Jersey.
When your brain thinks things like, “I can’t believe how much food you get for $1.49!”, that little voice in your head should be yelling, “Run!”
