Ontario restaurant reopens after 86 people fall ill with Salmonella

Public health officials say cross contamination in a restaurant was responsible for a Salmonella outbreak that sickened a possible 86 people.

The Piper Arms restaurant in Stone Creek, Ontario, Canada, has finally reopened after being closed since April 13. There are 29 confirmed patients, 57 patients who are awaiting conformation, and nine patients who have been hospitalized. 

“Evidence from Hamilton Public Health’s Food Safety investigation and epidemiological analysis of cases suggests cross-contamination contributed to transmission within the premises rather than a sole food item as the source of illness,” according to a statement from Hamilton public health officials.

The officials reported that they found Salmonella in cheese and that they thought it had cross-contaminated other food, utensils and food contact surfaces.

It is believed that the outbreak began on March 30. Public health officials closed the restaurant on April 13.

On April 30, the restaurant was ticketed for three infractions related to the outbreak and fined $705, public health said, noting the investigation is ongoing.

“The operator has put in place measures to control the source of the outbreak, and no new cases of illness have been identified or reported since these measures have been implemented,” according to the public health department..

“To support continued compliance, Hamilton Public Health will be conducting additional follow-up inspections to observe food handling practices and to ensure food safety standards are consistently maintained.”

An online database of public health inspections shows the restaurant received a “conditional pass” after an inspection March 10, citing issues with refrigeration, storing food on the floor, and hand-washing supplies. It passed a re-inspection two days later, but then on April 7, inspectors found food stored on the floor once again, along with uncovered food in storage.

On April 10, inspectors conducted an “outbreak investigation,” and found three critical infractions, but did not yet close the restaurant and still gave it a “pass.”

The inspection report said infractions such as storing raw and cooked foods together and inaccessible hand-washing stations were remedied during the inspection.

“When food safety issues are identified, Hamilton Public Health applies a progressive enforcement approach, beginning with education, on-site correction, moving to written orders, closures and/or fines where necessary,” said the public health release issued Wednesday.