In a blow to food safety in restaurants, Florida Republican Governor Rick Scott signed HB 655 that takes effect July 1, 2013. The law bans local governments from requiring that companies give employees paid sick time. As Food Poisoning Bulletin has told you before, lack of paid sick leave can cause food poisoning outbreaks. While … Read more
Most E. coli outbreaks in the United States are linked to contaminated products that are distributed nationwide, such as the illnesses linked to Farm Rich frozen snack products. But some outbreaks have been linked to specific restaurants. There are currently two E. coli outbreaks associated with restaurants: the Bar-B-Q Shack outbreak in Toccoa, Georgia and … Read more
An employee at the High Hampton Inn restaurant in Cashiers, North Carolina has tested positive for Hepatitis A. Anyone who ate at that restaurant on April 26, 27, 28, 29, or May 1, 2013 may have been exposed to the virus. Hepatitis A is a virus that affects the liver. Symptoms of an infection include … Read more
The Southeastern Idaho Public Health Department released a statement today stating that the patrons of Papa Murphy’s in Chubbuck, Idaho may have been exposed to Hepatitis A in April. An employee from the restaurant was diagnosed with the disease on May 2, 2013. There is no evidence of a Hepatitis A outbreak at this time. … Read more
Contra Costa County environmental health officials in California closed the North Park Deli in Concord last week for norovirus. Two employees tested positive for the virus. Public health officials started investigating the restaurants after 48 people who ate food at an event catered by the deli became ill. The restaurant reopened February 1, 2013 after … Read more
The outbreak of Salmonella linked to the Mexican restaurant On the Border in Vancouver Washington has grown. Now at least 21 cases are confirmed, and 55 cases are suspected according to the Clark County Public Health Department. The restaurant is closed pending the investigation and the outcome of lab reports. The people who are sick … Read more
A retired Chicago public health inspector who took almost $100,000 in bribes was sentenced to two and half years in federal prison last week. Maryanne Koll who taught food service sanitation classes and administered state certifications is alleged to have accepted at least $96,930 in bribes in exchange for fraudulently arranging to provide 531 people … Read more
The City of Ottawa, Canada may require food safety training for employees if restaurants and businesses violate food safety regulations. A proposal on this matter will be submitted next week to the Ottawa City Council. At this time, training is voluntary and the city offers certification programs to food service workers. Food facilities with more … Read more
Just in time for the Summer Olympics, restaurants in London are posting their inspection scores. The Food Standards Agency rates the facilities on a scale of 1 to 5 in their Food Hygiene Rating Scheme. Authorities think that these ratings will help consumers choose where to eat out and encourage businesses to improve their food … Read more
The South Dakota Department of Health and Office of Health Protection Issues is posting the scores of food facilities, including food service, lodging, and campground establishments, online. That state is joinging Kansas and New York City in this endeavor. There are 5,900 establishments that sell food to people in that state. The new website gives … Read more