The Shigella outbreak linked to True Food Kitchen at Fashion Island in Newport Beach, Calif. isn’t the first time the restaurant has had food safety problems. A review of restaurant inspection reports from the Orange County Health Department shows that in November 2013 the restaurant was investigated for alleged foodborne illness and has had food safety violations at all inspections since January 2103.
During an inspection conducted June 9 2014, health inspectors found violations such as fruit flies, improper food storage and missing tiles in the back of the dish wash area. The missing tiles were noted on the restaurants first inspection posted online in January 2013 and each thereafter. The missing tiles left a porous surface exposed which could be a potential breeding ground for bacteria.
Improper food storage and temperature control have also been repeatedly cited on the reports. In June 2013, the restaurant was cited for three temperature violations: holding, reheating and cooling. A food temperature problem was also cited in November 2013, just weeks before incidents of alleged food poisoning were reported. To prevent bacteria form multiplying rapidly, food must be kept below 40˚ F or above 140˚ F, a temperature range known as “the danger zone.”
Shigella is a bacteria that is transmitted when microscopic amounts of stool from an infected person are ingested by another. This can happen from poor hygiene or improper hand washing. In growing fields, produce can become contaminated if it comes in contact with raw sewage.
Symptoms of a Shigella infection, called shigellosis, include diarrhea, fever and cramps lasting five to seven days. Anyone who ate at the restaurant and experienced these symptoms should see a doctor and mention possible exposure.
