The Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals (DIA) and the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) jointly issued a consumer advisory on July 25 for potato salads made in and sold by Big G Food Store in Marengo, Iowa. Big G’s “Zesty Potato Salad” and “Traditional Potato Salad” have been implicated in several cases of foodborne illness reported in Iowa County. Presumptive test results from the State Hygienic Laboratory at the University of Iowa indicate the presence of Salmonella in these products.

A colorized scanning electron micrograph depicts a colony of Salmonella bacteria.

Big G Food Store has voluntarily pulled the potato salads from its shelves, and is working with the state departments in the investigation of the reported illnesses. The suspect salads were prepared in the store during the month of July. Neither potato salad has been sold to the consuming public since July 22, DIA Food and Consumer Safety Bureau Chief Steven Mandernach said.

IDPH is investigating several cases of possible illness associated with the potato salad. “The bottom line is that no one should eat this product,” said IDPH Medical Director Dr. Patricia Quinlisk. “If you have it in your refrigerator, you should throw it away.”

Salmonella infection is a common bacterial disease that can cause illness, though rarely is it severe. Usually, people who acquire a Salmonella infection develop symptoms within 12 to 36 hours after ingesting the bacteria, but symptoms can appear as early as six hours and as late as three days after ingestion.

Symptoms of Salmonella infection generally last four to seven days and include:

• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Fever
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Dehydration
• Vomiting
• Muscle pains
• Bloody stools

Most people get better without treatment, but in some cases, the diarrhea and vomiting associated with a Salmonella infection can cause dehydration. A severe case of dehydration may result in hospitalization to provide the necessary fluids. It is important whenever one has diarrhea to drink plenty of fluids and contact a health care provider when ill.

Consumers who have purchased the Zesty or Traditional potato salad should throw it out and not return the product to the store. Iowans with concerns or questions about the implicated products should contact DIA’s Food and Consumer Safety Bureau at 515-281-6538 or Big G Food Store at 319-642-5551.