The Eat a Pita restaurant in Hamilton, Ontario has reopened after closing because of a possible Salmonella outbreak. There have now been six confirmed cases linked to the restaurant; 36 other cases are suspected.
Staff from the department of public health trained the restaurant staff on safe food handling practices and quality assurance measures. Two inspections earlier in the month had found violations, including chicken held at unsafe temperatures.
Chicken is a source of Salmonella. When cooked chicken is held at temperatures between 40 degrees F. and 140 degrees F., bacteria can easily grow and multiply. The restaurant will now test the temperature of food at different preparation stages, and keep records of the test results.
The health department itself is reviewing its handling of the case, since the restaurant was not closed after the violations were found on February 1 and again on February 23.
