Subway Salmonella Cases Grows to 97

The number of Subway restaurants included in the salmonella outbreak has grown to include at least 47. 97 illnesses have been linked to the dangerous salmonella virus. 26 of those people have been hospitalized. Those stricken are between the ages of 2 and 79. All the restaurants are in Illinois, affecting 28 counties. The food poisonings occurred between May 11 and June 5. At this point, the exact cause of the salmonella has not been identified but is suspected to be from produce used on the sandwiches.

Subway is working with state and local officials in an attempt to find the cause of the outbreak. The chain  pulled onions, green peppers, tomatoes and lettuce from the menu and replaced them with fresh produce that they promise to be safe to eat.  Officials are investigating the growers and distributors of the produce used in the restaurants. The chain has issued a public apology and assures the public they are working with county and state officials to make their food safe again. One woman has filed a lawsuit against the company after she landed in the emergency room with salmonella poisoning.

This latest foodborne illness outbreak is the second this year for the chain. In April, 125 people in  Lombard, Illinois were infected with the Shigella bacteria that is believed to have been passed on from sick employees.  In both cases, none of the illnesses have resulted in death. All employees are being tested for the salmonella virus before they are allowed to return to work.