The Salmonella outbreak at Windmill Winery in Florence, Arizona has now sickened at least 38 people, according to Pinal County public health officials. The outbreak is linked to two events held at that venue on March 18 and 19, 2015. At least four people have been hospitalized in this outbreak.
The catering operation, called Kiss the Chef, Catering, that provided the food was operating illegally, according to authorities. Thomas Schyer, director of the Pinal County Public Health Services District said, “the kitchen was not authorized to be cooked in.”
In addition, the winery operators had exceeded their legally allowable level of food preparation. Schyer continued, “all are serious violations of the Pinal County Environmental Health Code and Arizona state statute.”
The winery’s permit to operate was suspended earlier this month, and lifted on Wednesday, April 8. They can now operate, but must abide by a 30 day risk management plan. However, Kiss the Chef catering cannot operate until all legal requirements have been met, having been served with a cease and desist order.
A Salmonella infection has symptoms including fever, abdominal cramps, nausea,s vomiting, and diarrhea. The symptoms usually start between 12 to 72 hours after infection. Most people are sick for about a week, and more get better without medical treatment. But some people get so sick they must be hospitalized.
If you ate at the Windmill Winery in March and have experienced these symptoms, please see your doctor. Even if you are better, the long-term consequences of a Salmonella infection an be severe, including reactive arthritis and high blood pressure. If you ate there and got sick, please call 520-866-4460 to let officials know you may be part of this outbreak.
