Calif. officials investigating salmonella outbreak tied to mangoes; more than 70 people ill

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – California public health officials are investigating a foodborne illness outbreak that has sickened 73 people and has been linked to salmonella-tainted mangoes.

Authorities say they are still probing what prompted the outbreak of salmonella Braenderup cases in California. They are trying to identify which specific mango brands or sources might be tied to the illnesses.

Officials with the California Department of Public Health say 67 per cent of the patients who have been interviewed report having eaten mangoes. They say the mangoes came from multiple suppliers, including one in Mexico.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency also recently reported illnesses resulting from the same bacterial strain.

California officials say they are working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and Canadian public health and food safety agencies to pinpoint the cause.