Contaminated pickles have been linked by the Cook County Department of Public Health to an outbreak of salmonella poisoning.
According to public health officials, six confirmed cases of salmonella have been linked to pickles purchased from the Assi Market in the Chicago suburb of Niles. Five people have been hospitalized.
Manager Skip Yoo said Thursday it is possible the pickles were “cross contaminated,” adding store executives are cooperating with health officials.
Health department officials say all confirmed victims of salmonella poisoning reported eating pickles made at the market and sold in plastic bags between July 25 and July 27, with an Aug. 24 sell-by date.
Dr. Stephen Martin says purchasers of the pickles should contact the agency.
The most common symptoms of salmonella are diarrhea, abdominal cramps and fever within 72 hours of eating a contaminated product. It can be life-threatening.