County health department, CDC link salmonella outbreak to BrightFarms' salad in Rochelle

Jul. 16—ROCHELLE — A multi-state salmonella outbreak has been traced back to BrightFarms' Sunny Crunch salad produced in Rochelle, public health officials said Friday.

Eight people from two different states have been infected with the outbreak strain of salmonella typhimurium, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Illinois has reported five cases in Cook, DuPage and McHenry counties.

The Illinois Department of Health is working with federal officials to determine where the salad was distributed in Illinois to determine the potential number of people exposed across the state.

The illnesses started sometime between Saturday and Thursday.

BrightFarms said they initiated a voluntary recall of the salad on Thursday out of an abundance of caution.

None of the brand's salad should be eaten and instead should be thrown out, even if it was eaten and no one got sick, according to a news release from the Ogle County Health Department.

Any surfaces or containers that have touched the product should be washed with hot soapy water.

Salmonella symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, headache, abdominal cramps, along with others, usually appear in six to 72 hours after being exposed to the bacteria.

Any person who has developed symptoms after eating the salad is advised to contact their health care provider or local health department.

Individuals in the food service, health care or child care industry are advised not to report to work if they are exhibiting any symptoms.

The Illinois Department of Health is working with local health departments to identify additional cases and to perform laboratory testing. In addition, an investigation is underway to determine if additional products are contaminated.

Shaquil Manigault: smanigault@gannett.com; @RRstarShaquil

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