Salmonella Outbreak in the USA - linked to Coconut Products

26 Mar 2018

The Centres for Disease Control and Preventyion (CDC) Link reports an outbreak of Salmonella typhimurium linked to eating dried coconut products. As of 20 March 2018, 13 cases have been reported from 8 states.

CDC advises people not to eat recalled items which are listed on the page link supplied above.

Advice for travellers

In addition to specific advice about the coconut products listed by CDC, general food hygiene advice is approriate.

Freshly prepared, thoroughly cooked food, served piping hot, including meat and vegetables, is generally safe. Avoid leftovers or food that may have been exposed to the air for any length of time.

Be cautious with:

Cheese and ice cream

Often made from unpasteurised milk and when in doubt, these should only be bought from larger, well established retailers where quality can usually be assured.

Fish and shellfish

Can be hazardous at certain times of the year, even if well cooked. Take local advice about seafood but when in doubt it is best to avoid.

Salads and fresh herbs (including in drinks)

Should be avoided as these are easily contaminated by soil or flies and are difficult to clean.

Fruit (including tomatoes). Should be peeled as the skin can be contaminated by flies and insects.

Berries, in particular raspberries, maybe a source of Cyclospora infection. They are difficult to wash and are best avoided.

For further information see Travellers' Diarrhoea.