Roast beef suspected in Omaha E. coli outbreak
State health officials are continuing to investigate an E. coli outbreak in Sarpy County, Omaha, that sickened 14 people — including a 7-year-old — and sent four people to the hospital.
State epidemiologist Dr. Tom Safranek said the outbreak was caused by roast beef served at a reception hall in Sarpy County for a private gathering of 50 to 60 people on March 26. Safranek further noted the meat was prepared at a person's home and brought to the event, but he would not say where the meal was served or what the gathering was for.
Despite the sense of kinship and best intentions, there have been at least 37 reported outbreaks of foodborne illness associated with homecooked products and community dinners in North America since 1973 (http://foodsafety.ksu.edu/en/article-details.php?a=3&c=32&sc=419&id=890).
State epidemiologist Dr. Tom Safranek said the outbreak was caused by roast beef served at a reception hall in Sarpy County for a private gathering of 50 to 60 people on March 26. Safranek further noted the meat was prepared at a person's home and brought to the event, but he would not say where the meal was served or what the gathering was for.Despite the sense of kinship and best intentions, there have been at least 37 reported outbreaks of foodborne illness associated with homecooked products and community dinners in North America since 1973 (http://foodsafety.ksu.edu/en/article-details.php?a=3&c=32&sc=419&id=890).
Community hall dinners: serve it safely
An editorial in Nova Scotia's Hants Journal says that rural communities are under siege by many forces, including the increasing costs of doing business for organizations.
The editorial says that in recent years as well, community groups and Legions have been under the gun on matters of food preparation. One bad batch that causes food poisoning can bring the wrath of officialdom as well as public opinion down on a group.
That's true. Here's a partial list of some outbreaks associated with community-type dinners.
The editorial concludes that community halls are "the very soul of rural Hants County, Nova Scotia and Canada, and they warrant support. Period."
Sure. Provide support in the form of training. And serve it safely.
The editorial says that in recent years as well, community groups and Legions have been under the gun on matters of food preparation. One bad batch that causes food poisoning can bring the wrath of officialdom as well as public opinion down on a group.That's true. Here's a partial list of some outbreaks associated with community-type dinners.
The editorial concludes that community halls are "the very soul of rural Hants County, Nova Scotia and Canada, and they warrant support. Period."
Sure. Provide support in the form of training. And serve it safely.
