Quiznos Salmonella Came from Raw Tomatoes

Salmonella bacteria cause diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 72 hours of exposure. Children, the elderly or people with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable to complications from Salmonella poisoning. In rare cases, extreme instances of Salmonella poisoning can lead to a disease called Reiter’s Syndrome, which is associated with chronic arthritis. According to the Centers for Disease Control, Salmonella bacteria sicken 40,000 people every year. Although the true number could be much higher, because it is estimated that for every case of Salmonella poisoning reported, two others are unreported.

Minnesota health officials first traced the October Salmonella outbreak to the Quiznos Restaurant at 3499 22nd Avenue NW in Rochester. However, it took time to determine if the Salmonella outbreak originated with contaminated food, or if a worker spread the illness from an outside source. Because three sickened workers fell ill around the same time that Quiznos customers were stricken with Salmonella poisoning, early on investigators suspected that the outbreak originated with contaminated foods.