In November 2016, a Salmonella enteriditis outbreak in Sheffield, Alabama sickened almost 100 people. The Alabama Department of Public Health investigated the outbreak and determined that Indelible Catering, owned by Darvin McDaniel in Moulton, Alabama provided food for the private event.
Yesterday, McDaniel surrendered his food service permit to ADPH. He will not be allowed to prepare food for catering in Alabama.
Dr. Scott Harris, Assistant State Health Officer said in a statement, “the health department’s priority is the health of the public and preventing any additional foodborne illnesses. Make sure the caterer you hire for any event has a permit from the health department.”
ADPH investigated the outbreak and found Salmonella bacteria in chicken and green beans that were served at the event. Public health officials interviewed patients, obtained stool samples and food samples from the event, and inspected the facility that prepared the food. ADPH then issued an emergency order to suspend the caterer’s permit while the investigation was ongoing.
Those sickened experienced symptoms of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever, the typical symptoms of a Salmonella infection. Other symptoms can include chills, headache, and blood in the stool. Twenty-two people were hospitalized in this outbreak because they were so seriously ill. People are usually hospitalized for Salmonella infections because they are dehydrated or because the bacteria gets into their bloodstreams, causing sepsis.
Salmonella outbreaks have been caused by poultry, eggs, unpasteurized milk and juice, cheese, and contaminated raw fruits and vegetables. If you or a family member were sickened in this outbreak, please contact our food safety lawyers to help protect your legal rights.