FDA Warns of E. coli outbreak in spinach
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Thursday (Sept. 14) warned consumers against eating fresh, bagged spinach because of an ongoing E. coli outbreak that has killed one person and sickened about 50 others in eight states.Officials suspect a virulent strain of the microbe — which causes symptoms similar to diarrhea and can occasionally be fatal especially to children, the elderly and the immunocompromised — came from prewashed spinach. Cases have been reported in Connecticut, Idaho, Indiana, Michigan, Oregon, New Mexico and Utah, according to the FDA. Wisconsin has been hardest hit, with at least 20 cases including the patient who died.
It is unknown exactly where the microbe came from. Nevertheless a firm understanding of food pathogens such as E. coli is vital for understanding this story. The Purdue University experts listed below specialize in food microbes and their detection and can answer questions regarding the microbe, food safety, pathogen detection and eradication.
Richard H. Linton
Professor of Food Science
Director, Center for Food Safety Engineering
Areas of Expertise:
— Currently researching methods for inactivating pathogens in fresh fruit and vegetables.
— Applied research focuses on developing food safety and quality guidelines and performing microbial assessments on E. coli and other pathogens.
— Expert on microbial growth, survival, and detection in food.
CONTACT: Richard H. Linton, lintonr@purdue.edu, (765) 494-6481
Bruce M. Applegate
Professor of Food Science
Areas of Expertise:
— Specializes in novel methods for detecting E. coli and other food pathogens.
— Expert in the area of microbial development and function in food.
CONTACT: Bruce M. Applegate, applegate@purdue.edu, (765) 496-7920
Arun K. Bhunia
Professor of Food Science
Areas of Expertise:
— Currently working on novel technology for detecting E. coli and other food microbes.
— Expert in developing biosensors to assess food safety.
CONTACT: Arun K. Bhunia, Bhunia@purdue.edu, (765) 494-5443
For more information, contact: Douglas M. Main, science writer in Purdue's Department of Agricultural Communication, dmain@purdue.edu, (765) 496-2050
Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Beth Forbes, forbes@purdue.edu
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