According to officials, at least 53 people in the United States fell ill as a result of an outbreak of salmonella, which is thought to be associated with raw tuna in sushi. As per the US Food and Drug Administration, it was not clear even after an investigation which didn’t identify which supplier of raw tuna could be responsible for the outbreak; until now 10 people have been hospitalized as a result of the outbreak; however it has not led to any deaths.

The agency said on its website that there are no particular steps for consumers to follow in order to protect themselves at present. However, it said that usually some susceptible groups should not consume raw or partially cooked fish; these groups include pregnant women and young children.

According to the California Department of Public Health, in California, 31 people fell ill from the outbreak in six counties, together with Los Angeles and San Diego counties. Arizona is also among those eight states where people fell ill; there were 10 cases and New Mexico had six.

California Department of Public Health director Dr. Karen Smith said in a statement, "As the investigation continues, this is a good reminder to Californians that there are sometimes risks when eating raw or undercooked meats, fish or poultry".

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), between March 5 and May 3, illnesses linked to the outbreak occurred.

According to the CDC, almost all the sick people, questioned by health workers reported that they ate sushi with raw tuna prior to becoming ill and the majority said that they ate ‘spicy’ tuna. According to the California Department of Public Health, majority of patients get well without any treatment.