Operations

Hunt for E. coli source narrows to ground beef

Photograph: Shutterstock

Federal health authorities have traced a spreading outbreak of E. coli poisonings to ground beef that may have been served by restaurants, but say they still cannot identify the specific operations or suppliers involved. 

Until the exact sources are pinpointed, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said Friday, consumers need not avoid eating ground beef, and restaurants should not shy away from serving it. 

The number of victims has risen to 109 consumers in six states, a steep increase from the 72 people who initially reported being sickened with symptoms of E. coli poisoning. The incidence is still highest in Kentucky, with 54 cases, followed by Tennessee (28 victims), Georgia (17), Ohio (seven), Virginia (two) and Indiana (one). 

Investigators have connected the sickened individuals to the consumption of beef either in a restaurant or at home. They noted that a number of the victims had used ground beef in sauce-like dishes such as sloppy Joes or spaghetti with meat sauce. 

In an E. coli outbreak, the count of victims tends to climb for weeks or even months after an initial report from the CDC, as more people come forward because of the publicity and the delayed onset of symptoms. Most of the victims were sickened in March. 

Members help make our journalism possible. Become a Restaurant Business member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.

Multimedia

Exclusive Content

Financing

Starbucks, and a lot of other brands, leaned too far into takeout

The Bottom Line: Some brands went too far in their bid to cater to takeout customers. Consumers still want great in-store experiences, even if they don’t always use them.

Financing

The market for restaurant chains is heating up

The Bottom Line: A pair of firms are reportedly making a play for Papa Johns, and Bojangles is apparently on the market again. Buyers appear eager to take on certain types of restaurant chains.

Food

An eye on food waste inspires a chicken salad that becomes a best seller

Behind the Menu: Millers All Day repurposed leftover breakfast waffles into croutons to create a new signature—the Chicken and Waffle Salad. It’s a unique spin on Southern comfort.

Trending

More from our partners