According to Toronto Public Health and a press conference, more than 150 people have been sickened after eating “Cronut” burgers at the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) in that city. A “Cronut” is a combination of croissant and doughnut. Some people use it as bread to hold burgers and other sandwich fillings. This specific food is a combination of a hamburger patty with maple bacon jam and cheese on the Cronut bun.
On Tuesday, 34 people have complained about gastrointestinal problems, which triggered an inquiry. So far, twelve people have been treated for their illness, and five have been hospitalized. The vendor, Epic Burgers, voluntarily closed down until a complete health inspection has been conducted. Officials took food samples and reviewed all food handling and preparation procedures.
An update by public health officials on August 23, 2013 (conducted partly in French) by Dr. David McKeown of Toronto Public Health and Mr. David Bednar of CNE confirmed the outbreak. The only common food exposure among the people sickened was the Cronut Burger. No indications of any other implicated foods have been found. Samples of the Cronut burger taken from the Epic Burger facility were found to be contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin. Most people recover completely after a Staphylococcus infection, but those in vulnerable groups can have serious complications. The investigation is continuing.
Until the investigation determines the precise source of the outbreak, Epic Burgers will not reopen, according to Dr. McKeown. Symptoms of the illness include vomiting and diarrhea.
The Canadian National Exhibition released a statement saying, “The CNE is very concerned about this situation and the people who have been affected by it. The CNE has stringent food safety regulations in place which are monitored daily. If you fell ill after visiting the CNE on Tuesday August 21, 2013, please call 311. To contact the CNE directly, call 416-263-3330.
