The FDA is looking into a multistate Salmonella Litchfield illness outbreak that has been linked to fresh, raw salmon that was provided to restaurants in California and Arizona by Mariscos Bahia, Inc. They claimed that seafood was not sold to consumers in supermarkets, but was exclusively sold directly to eateries in Arizona and California. Based on epidemiologic data from the CDC and interviews with 16 individuals undertaken by state and local public health officials, 12 of the individuals reported consuming sushi, sashimi, or poke. Of those interviewed, 11 remembered specifics about the sort of fish consumed, and 9 reported eating raw salmon before becoming ill.

Following an inquiry by the FDA, Mariscos Bahia, Inc. was identified as the source of the fresh, raw salmon distribution. The FDA took many swabs from Mariscos Bahia environment as part of its environmental sample collection. Salmonella has been detected in numerous environmental swabs taken at the facility, and a Whole Genome Sequencing analysis is being conducted as a result. The Salmonella found in at least one of the facility’s swabs matched the epidemic strain. 

Epidemiological evidence suggests that sick persons ate fresh, raw salmon processed by this company and the presence of Salmonella in the processing environment suggests that other species of fish processed in the same section of the facility, such as fresh, raw halibut, Chilean seabass, tuna, and swordfish, could potentially be infected.

Salmonella Infection:

A frequent bacterial illness that affects the intestinal system is salmonella infection. Salmonella germs normally reside in the intestines of both humans and animals and are excreted in faeces. The most common way that humans contract an infection is through tainted food or drink.

Some salmonella infected patients show no signs of illness. Most persons have stomach (abdominal) cramps, fever, and diarrhea between 8 to 72 hours of exposure. Without special care, the majority of healthy people feel well after a few days to a week.

Symptoms: Diarrhea, stomach (abdominal) cramps, fever, nausea, vomiting, chills, headache, blood in the stool

Advice:

Restaurants should check with their suppliers and refrain from selling or serving swordfish, Chilean seabass, tuna, salmon, or halibut that was purchased fresh, not frozen, from Mariscos Bahia on or after June 14, 2022. These fish should not be sold or served by restaurants if they received them.  Additionally, restaurants must make sure to clean and sterilize any areas where this fish from Mariscos Bahia was prepared or stored.

Customers in California or Arizona who order salmon, halibut, Chilean seabass, tuna, or swordfish should inquire as to whether the seafood is from Mariscos Bahia and whether it was delivered fresh rather than frozen.

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