Over 34 people have complained of illness after eating at Hacienda Don Villo, a Mexican restaurant in Channahon, IL, according to Philip Jass, Health Admistrator with the Grundy County Health Department. Jass told Food Poisoning Bulletin some of the stool samples are coming back positive for Salmonella, including the stool sample of one employee. All other employee stool samples have been negative.
The county received the first complaint of illness on September 23. After being alerted to the possible food poisoning outbreak, the owner voluntarily closed the restaurant. According to a sign on the door, the restaurant was going to reopen today, but Jass told Food Poisoning Bulletin that the employees who were working at the restaurant can’t go back to work until they have 2 negative test results. The second round of stool samples have been taken, but the county is waiting for the results.
“The owner has been very cooperative,” said Jass. Yesterday, county health officials were at the restaurant doing reinforcement training for food handlers.
The people who have contacted the county have all reported stomach pain, and some of them sought medical treatment, said Jass. He did not know if any of them were hospitalized.
The Grundy County Health Department is asking people who experienced symptoms of Salmonella after eating at Hacienda Don Villo to call the department at 815-941-3400 and ask for Environmental Health. Symptoms of Salmonella food poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, severe abdominal pain, diarrhea and fever.
