The contaminated chocolate epidemic of 1987

The article describes a nationwide outbreak of Salmonella typhimurium infection in 1987 caused by contaminated chocolate products from one particular factory. A total of 349 bacteriologically verified cases were recorded. It was estimated, however, that 20,000-40,000 persons became ill during the outbreak. We describe the epidemiological and bacteriological investigations which led to identification of the source of infection, and discuss two epidemiological models for investigation of food-borne outbreaks. The article emphasizes the importance of collaboration between the community health service and the local food inspection laboratories during investigation of foodborne outbreaks. Language: no