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Gate Gourmet linked to food poisoning

HONOLULU, May 19 (UPI) -- A Hawaiian-based airline caterer recently admonished by the Food and Drug Administration has been linked to 45 cases of food poisoning.

State epidemiologist Paul Effler said Wednesday that Gate Gourmet served contaminated carrots on flights originating in Honolulu Aug. 22-24, 2004, causing illness in 45 passengers traveling to 22 U.S. states, Australia, American Samoa and Japan, the Honolulu Star Bulletin reported.

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"We think this is an important outbreak because while there is no evidence of intentional contamination, it does indicate the rapidity that contaminated food can be spread around the world in a relatively short period of time," Effler said.

Gate Gourmet provides meals to 10,000 to 15,000 airline passengers leaving Honolulu every day for carriers Northwest, Delta, United, Hawaiian and Aloha airlines.

The FDA issued a warning to Gate Gourmet in April after inspectors documented unsanitary conditions in its Honolulu facility.

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