During an investigation of an outbreak of gastroenteritis caused by Salmonella enterica serovar Paratyphi B variant L(+) tartrate(+), we identified unpasteurized tempeh as a novel food vehicle and Rhizopus spp. starter culture as the source of the contamination. Safe handling of uncooked, unpasteurized tempeh should be emphasized for prevention of foodborne illnesses.
Keywords: North Carolina; Salmonella enterica serovar Paratyphi B; Salmonella spp.; bacteria; enteric infections; food handling; foodborne illness; gastroenteritis; salmonellosis; soy foods; tempeh.