The huge food poisoning outbreak in Ohio linked to one Chipotle restaurant on Sawmill Parkway in Powell, Ohio was caused by Clostridium perfringens, according to an update posted by the Delaware General Health District. At least 647 people have reported symptoms of diarrhea and abdominal cramps after eating at that restaurant.
This bacteria grows in protein-rich and other foods, such as beef and gravy, that are held at unsafe temperatures for too long. The danger zone for bacterial growth is 40°F to 140°F. Laws governing restaurants and food handling prohibit foods held at this temperature for precisely this reason. These outbreaks usually occur in restaurants because large quantities of food can often remain at unsafe temperatures for long periods of time.
Although food samples taken by public health officials tested negative for the pathogen, stool samples from patients were positive for the toxin that Clostridium perfringens bacteria produce as they grow. Officials have not identified one specific food that is linked to this outbreak.
You can contact attorney Fred Pritzker for help at 1-888-377-8900.
Attorney Fred Pritzker said, “Unfortunately, C. perfringens outbreaks occur in facilities such as restaurants, schools, and nursing homes when food is not handled correctly. People got sick through no fault of their own.”
Restaurant inspectors visited the restaurant and found violations about food held at incorrect temperatures. The specific foods mentioned in the inspection report were lettuce and beans.
The restaurant closed after news of the outbreak started spreading. The people who got sick ate at that Chipotle restaurant between July 26 and July 30, 2018.
Public health officials did not provide any information about patient age ranges, or whether or not anyone was hospitalized in this outbreak. Clostridium perfringens bacteria and toxin causes about 1 million cases of foodborne illness every year. This illness is not passed from person to person.
Clostridium perfringens food poisoning usually only lasts for about 24 hours. Symptoms include diarrhea and abdominal cramps.
