While tomatoes were identified early as an outbreak vehicle, subsequent investigation revealed Serrano and jalapeno peppers as the common food item in later outbreaks. I agree with Dr. Acheson that the epidemiological association is only an approximation and there will be a potential for things to occur by chance alone and confounders, but the relationships
February 2011
Reflections on Outbreaks
I have now been involved in over 60 investigations of foodborne illness as an expert, on the sides of both plaintiffs and defendents, some reflections:
1. Most outbreaks that result in lawsuits have evidence of multiple major sanitation deficiencies
2. Most have pest problems as part of the documentation
3. Many have serious time and temperature issues
4.