Letter to Thomas Frieden, Director, Centers for Disease Control - Respond to Ongoing Outbreaks of Salmonella in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Oklahoma

Letter

Dear Director Frieden:

I write to you with significant concern about the recent outbreaks of salmonella, which have hospitalized four and sickened three people in Minnesota, with reports of additional cases being identified in Wisconsin and Oklahoma. I urge the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to take all necessary actions needed to prepare, prevent, and respond to these outbreaks and work collaboratively with federal, state, and local partners should these outbreaks impact more people across the country.

Since April, the Minnesota Department of Health, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the CDC have been investigating two separate outbreaks of salmonella in Minnesota, which have been linked to raw, frozen, and pre-browned stuffed chicken entrees that were manufactured in Maine and Illinois. These manufacturers ship their products across the country, and have been identified as the cause of the outbreaks in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Oklahoma. It is critical that the CDC works in collaboration with jurisdictions where additional outbreaks could occur. This should include partnering with state and federal agencies, and providing feedback to agencies and lawmakers on how similar outbreaks may be prevented or controlled quickly in the future.

These outbreaks highlight the critical importance of effective collaboration between the CDC, the USDA and state and local partners to protect Americans from harmful foodborne illnesses. I appreciate your prompt attention to the concerns outlined in this letter and look forward to continuing to work with the CDC to ensure the health and safety of American families.

Source