Four outbreaks of Salmonella enteritidis phage type 4 food poisoning linked to a single baker.

An outbreak of gastrointestinal illness occurred among a party of diners at a hotel in South Yorkshire. A case control study identified a gateau, from an outside supplier, as the likeliest vehicle of infection. Further gateaux from the same baker's premises and other outlets were examined microbiologically. Three other outbreaks of food poisoning in neighbouring districts were recognised and found to be associated with gateaux supplied by the same baker. A total of 32 cases were identified. Stool specimens from 24 cases grew Salmonella enteritidis phage type (PT) 4. The same organism was also grown from gateau in the domestic refrigerator of the chef of one hotel, cheesecake made by the same baker, and a gateau and ingredients from the baker's premises. The isolates of S. enteritidis PT4 were all fully sensitive to antibiotics, and had the same plasmid and pulsed field gel electrophoresis profiles. It is most likely that cross contamination occurred from infected raw eggs on the baker's premises. The control measures instituted probably prevented two further outbreaks, and the baker now uses only pasteurised eggs. The benefits of close cooperation between different local and health authority districts in the investigation of the outbreaks are discussed.