Salmonella Braenderup Outbreak Linked to Pine Peaks Restaurant in Crosslake, Minnesota

Outbreak Details

• Confirmed Cases: 52 cases were identified, including 48 laboratory-confirmed cases and four with clinical symptoms only.
• Geographic Spread: 42 cases were Minnesota residents, four from Wisconsin, and one each from Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Mississippi, South Dakota, and Texas. Ten potential out-of-state cases were identified through the NCBI database, all of whom reported dining at Pine Peaks.
• Symptoms: Interviewed cases reported diarrhea (100%), cramps (77%), fever (55%), vomiting (31%), and bloody stools (34%).
• Hospitalizations: 14 of 43 (33%) cases were hospitalized for a median of 3 days. No deaths were reported.
• Outbreak Period: Illness onsets ranged from July to September 2024.

Investigation Findings

The MDH investigation revealed that contaminated eggs from Opal Farms introduced Salmonella into the restaurant. An environmental sample from a conveyor in the conveyor room at Opal Farms tested positive for the outbreak strain of Salmonella Braenderup. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) conducted a traceback investigation, which confirmed that eggs supplied to Pine Peaks by Performance Food Services were sourced from Opal Farms.

Furthermore, the investigation found that infected food workers became reservoirs of contamination, maintaining transmission through contact with ready-to-eat foods. Seven employees tested positive for Salmonella Braenderup matching the outbreak strain. The restaurant was observed to have an inadequate written illness policy and employees were seen cracking eggs and then plating ready-to-eat foods without changing gloves.

Salmonella Symptoms

Symptoms of Salmonella infection typically include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. These symptoms usually appear 12 to 72 hours after consuming contaminated food and can last for four to seven days. While most healthy individuals recover without medical intervention, some people, particularly young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, may experience severe illness requiring hospitalization.

What to Do If You Became Ill

If you or a loved one experienced symptoms of Salmonella infection after eating at Pine Peaks Restaurant during the specified period and believe you may be part of this outbreak, it is crucial to:

1. Seek medical attention immediately.
2. Inform your healthcare provider about your potential exposure to Salmonella.
3. Contact OFT Law for a free consultation. Our experienced foodborne illness attorneys can help you understand your legal options and pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

This outbreak underscores the critical importance of food safety practices in restaurants and the need for rigorous cleaning and proper food handling to prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses. OFT Law is dedicated to helping victims of foodborne illness outbreaks hold negligent parties responsible.

About OFT Law:

OFT Law is a leading firm dedicated to representing individuals who have been sickened by contaminated food. With a strong track record of success in foodborne illness litigation, we fight to ensure our clients receive the justice and compensation they deserve.