December 7, 2006

E.Coli outbreak in US linked to Taco Bell food chain
 

An outbreak of E.Coli, later traced to Taco Bell restaurant chain in New Jersey sickened at least 42 people in New Jersey and New York and one in Pennsylvania.

Sate health officials have now been searching for the paper trails to find the source of the bacteria. Accompanying them were investigators from the US Food and Drug Administration, who also visited a Taco Bell food distributor in New Jersey.

Taco Bell, a division of Yum Brands later closed several of his restaurants, including the one in South Plainfield to sanitise them and replace food ingredients.

Health officials described the spate of E. coli as nation's "serious outbreak."

Though health officials later ruled out any further threat, testing continued in Taco Bell foods. So far, 17 types of food including meat, cheese, lettuce, salsa and vegetables used to make the company's Mexican-style dishes have been tested.

All the samples tested negative, said Marilyn Riley, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Health and Senior Services. Additional samples were being tested, she added.

Investigations into Escherichia coli O157:H7, the dangerous strain of the bacteria, have widened far beyond the usual culprit, ground beef, which has become safer in recent years, according to experts. Incidentally, experts have found an increase in contaminated fruits and vegetables.

Meat production has undergone major changes, thus reducing the risk of E. coli in hamburger, pointed out Linda Harris, a food safety expert at the University of California adding hamburgers at fast-food joints were probably safer than the ones  bought from grocery stores. Besides, fast-food restaurants have also improved handling practices and standardised cooking to kill any bacteria still present, she said.

Taco Bell competes with fast food giants like McDonalds and Burger King.