Kim Kozlowski of The Detroit News reported this morning that the Michigan Department of Community Health is investigating a possible outbreak of salmonella poisoning that appears to be linked to unpasteurized orange juice that has been voluntarily recalled at local Westborn and Nino Salvaggio stores.
The food-borne illness struck 11 Michigan residents, who drank juice manufactured by Orchid Island Juice Co. in Fort Pierce, Fla., between early May and June, according to the Michigan Department of Community Health. Of the 11 cases, eight were children and five people were hospitalized. Other cases are under investigation.
The company bottles the juice, labeled freshly squeezed, under various brands, including the Westborn and Nino Salvaggio labels. Those with the disease all bought the juice at stores in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Livingston and Washtenaw counties.
Last week, the FDA issued a warning about drinking unpasteurized juice under brand names by Orchid Island Juice. But Marygrace Sexton, the company’s CEO, said officials still are investigating and have not confirmed that salmonella was found in the juice. However, the company decided to voluntarily recall the orange juice with expiration dates through July 25.
Health officials said that about 2 percent of orange juice in the country is unpasteurized and they reminded Michigan residents of the risks.
