100 Salmonella Cases due to Mexican-style Cheese
Illinois public health officials say about 100 cases of salmonella have been tied to illegally made Mexican-style cheese.
The Illinois Department of Public Health issued a warning Thursday. Officials say the cases are across 13 counties and have been reported by local health departments since 2012. They say cheese obtained from an ill person's home tested positive for salmonella. Health officials say patients in a third of the cases were hospitalized.
Investigators are trying to determine the cheese manufacturer. They say many cases reported eating cheese obtained from worksites, factories, train stations and street vendors. The cheese is not labeled and is often wrapped in aluminum foil.
IDPH recommends Illinoisans not eat cheese if they can't clearly identify if the product was made by a licensed or regulated manufacturer.
