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November
21, 2003
Little
Rock - The Arkansas
Department of Health is investigating a possible foodborne
outbreak among employees at three industrial sites in
Washington and Benton Counties. Preliminary information from
the investigation indicates that as many as 80 persons may
have become ill. Some cases have been seen and treated at
local hospital emergency rooms and by private physicians. The
suspected food causing this outbreak was supplied by a food
service catering operation in the area.
The Arkansas Department of
Health is interviewing cases and collecting clinical and food
samples. Environmental Health Specialists from the local
health units are conducting food processing review and food
preparation inspections at the catering operation to determine
what processing safety control failures may have occurred and
assuring that appropriate controls are in place to prevent
further outbreaks from occurring. The catering operation has
been fully cooperative with the Arkansas Department of Health.
The department will continue to
monitor the situation and issue further notices if necessary.
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