R. Shapiro et al., Salmonella Thompson associated with improper handling of roast beef at a restaurant in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, J FOOD PROT, 62(2), 1999, pp. 118-122
In October 1996, we investigated an outbreak of Salmonella serotype Thompso
n infections associated with Restaurant A in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and
conducted two cohort studies among persons who ate at luncheons catered by
Restaurant A. Fifty-two Salmonella Thompson infections were identified bet
ween 29 September and 14 October 1996. Infections occurred among employees
and patrons at Restaurant A and among attendees at three luncheons catered
by the restaurant on 7 October. Roast beef cooked at Restaurant A was the o
nly food item significantly associated with illness. Cooking times and stor
age temperatures for roast beef were inadequate to prevent multiplication o
f Salmonella, and the chefs were unaware of proper cooking and storage temp
eratures. We conclude that improper handling of roast beef probably caused
this outbreak of Salmonella Thompson infections. Better knowledge of food s
afety practices by the cooking staff at Restaurant A, through required food
safety education, might have prevented the outbreak.