Public Health Dispatch: Outbreak of Shigella sonnei Infections Associated with Eating a Nationally Distributed Dip — California, Oregon, and Washington, January 2000
A multistate outbreak of Shigella sonnei infections with at least 30 culture-confirmed cases in California, Oregon, and Washington has been linked to eating a nationally distributed five-layer dip. Symptom onsets occurred during January 10-23, 2000; case-finding is ongoing. The implicated product is manufactured by SeÒor Felix’s Mexican Foods* (Baldwin Park, California) and distributed under the brand names SeÒor Felix’s 5-Layer Party Dip (sold in 16-ounce, 20-ounce, and 41-ounce containers), Delicioso 5-Layer Party Dip (33-ounce containers), and Trader Joe’s 5-Layer Party Dip (20-ounce containers). The dip consists of layers of bean, salsa, guacamole, nacho cheese, and sour cream.

On January 21, the company voluntarily recalled the products. The recall applies to all products prepared without preservatives and that have an expiration date of February 9 or earlier, and all products prepared with preservatives and that have an expiration date of March 4 or earlier. Consumers who have these products should avoid eating them and should return them to their place of purchase.
S. sonnei infection can cause abdominal cramps, fever, and bloody diarrhea. Symptoms usually develop 1-3 days after eating contaminated food. Many cases resolve without medical attention, but persons with severe infections may benefit from antibiotic treatment. General information on Shigella infection is available at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/shigellosis_g.htm.