The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sent a warning letter to American Cruise Lines after 3 passengers got Legionnaire’s disease and the company failed to adequately treat the ships’ drinking water.
The first confirmed case of Legionnaire’s disease was reported in April 2021, with two more cases reported in September and October 2021.
Between April and August 2022, FDA inspectors tested the drinking water on the American Star and American Heritage and found ongoing evidence of Legionella bacteria.
Shockingly, 93% of water samples on the American Star tested positive for Legionella bacteria in April 2022, including samples taken from showerheads in the rooms for passengers and crew.
In June 2022, multiple samples of drinking water from showerheads and faucets on the American Heritage also tested positive for Legionella, according to the FDA.
Despite problems with Legionella contamination and illnesses, the FDA said that American Cruise Lines failed to take adequate stops to treat the ships’ water supply.
FoodWorld 