Salmonella Virchow Outbreak: 7 States Sickened by 'Garden of Life' Shake Mixes

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A salmonella outbreak taking place in seven states in America has been linked to the Garden of Life milk shakes. Minnesota local health department officials were prompted to issue a bulletin Jan. 29 to warn the public.

At least two cases of Salmonella Virchow poisoning were reported in the state of Minnesota since Jan. 11. However, officials say they are likely to be more unidentified cases since those suffering from the condition often do not always get tested and checked at the hospitals or clinics.

Food Poisoining Bulletin reported that only 700 to 900 Salmonella infection (salmonellosis) cases are reported in Minnesota annually, while similar salmonellosis cases have also appeared in states like New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Tennessee, Oregon, Utah and Wisconsin in the last few months, with one victim each.

Star Tribune reported that the concerned individuals drank chocolate and vanilla flavors of Garden of Life Organic Shake & Meal Replacement, prompting an investigation into the food supplement. Investigators recommended that any purchases of the product after Nov. 1, 2015, despite its 2017 expiration date stamped on container's bottom, should no longer be consumed.

Garden of Life, which operates in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., has issued a company recall, citing the product names and lot number in a press release. The company also said it is "voluntarily withdrawing a limited quantity of its Raw Meal Organic Shake & Meal Chocolate, Original, Vanilla and Vanilla Chai" since these products may likely have the Salmonella Virchow pathogen.

"In an overabundance of caution we are taking this extreme measure because we want to ensure that you never have to wonder about the purity of any Raw Meal product," said company president Brian Ray in a press statement.

Common symptoms of salmonellosis may include pain in the abdomen, diarrhea and fever; these signs usually manifest within 12 to 24 hours of exposure. The infection can last between five to seven days and, in some cases, a patient may have to be hospitalized due to the severity of the condition. Some infections could develop in serious complications that could result in blood stream infections or meningitis.

The Minnesota health bulletin also cited that salmonella poising could be deadly for those with weakened immunities. Hence, medical care should be administered immediately. Otherwise, healthy and fit people can easily weather through the condition without any medical intervention. However, to be on the safe side, always consult with a health care professional for a proper diagnosis.