The California Health Care Agency says that more than 30 people from “multiple unrelated groups” have been sickened after eating Rosca de Reyes Bread distributed by Cholula’s Bakery in Santa Ana. Symptoms include dizziness, palpitations, stomach aches, and numbness. Several people went to the hospital. Since symptoms happened within 20 minutes of eating the bread, it’s probably not an infectious agent that is causing the illnesses.
The bread was distributed on January 5 and 6, 2015 to retail outlets in Orange County and Long Beach. It was sold at Cholula’s Bakery in Santa Ana, El Nopal Mercado in San Juan Capistrano, La Bodega Ranch in Orange, La Bodega Ranch in Fullerton, Santa Ana Marquet in Santa Ana, and Tony’s Liquor in San Juan Capistrano. It was also sold at Gonzalez Marquet in Placentia, Taqueria Mocorito Restaurant in Anaheim, Taco Boy in Anaheim, Brianna’s Ice Cream in Anaheim, and La Bodega Ranch Market in Long Beach. You can see addresses of the retail outlets at the CHCA web site.
The bakery was investigated and closed after officials discovered a cockroach infestation, according to ABC7. Officials aren’t sure if that is the problem with the bread. The product is usually eaten on Three Kings Day, also called Epiphany Day.
On edit: Initial testing has found the presence of a synthetic drug in the bread. The bakery is going to stay closed until all opened food is thrown out, all ingredients used to make the bread is discarded, and food safety training has been implemented for all staff.
If you purchased any Rosca de Reyes bread from Cholula’s Bakery, do not eat it. Throw it out or return to the place of purchase for a refund. If you did eat this bread, contact the Santa Ana Police Department at 714-245-8390.
