Ruby’s Pantry pop-up sickens four
Three Wisconsin residents and one Minnesota residents have become ill from salmonella contamination associated with Ruby’s Pantry. Several pop-up locations for the restaurant throughout both states distributed a frozen, raw breaded chicken product to consumers. The chicken may have looked fully cooked and was provided to Ruby’s Pantry patrons without a warning that the chicken was actually raw and without cooking instructions.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), Minnesota Department Agriculture (MDA), and local health departments are investigating the situation that resulted in at least four cases of salmonellosis in the two states. Ruby’s Pantry is cooperating with the investigation and is no longer distributing the unlabeled raw chicken.
Salmonella can survive on raw meat and poultry if the product does not reach certain minimum internal temperatures. The bacteria can also be spread by cross-contamination (i.e. when juices drip from raw meats stored above ready-to-eat foods, such as salads, in the refrigerator).
Salmonellosis, the infection caused by salmonella bacteria, often results in
acute gastroenteritis
, an illness that usually results in diarrhea and/or vomiting due to severe inflammation of the stomach and intestines caused by the bacteria. Infected individuals typically begin to experience diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 8 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. The diarrhea, which may be bloody, may start suddenly and without warning. Other symptoms occur less frequently, including headache, nausea, vomiting, joint pain, and fatigue.
If you purchased the frozen raw chicken product from Ruby’s Pantry, do not eat it. Dispose of the potentially contaminated food product properly. Contact the food poisoning lawyers at 1-888-335-4901 to discuss your legal options.
