Hamilton officials reveal likely cause of salmonella outbreak at restaurant that sickened 29 people

Hamilton city hall is seen in this file photo. (CTV News Toronto)

Public health officials say cross-contamination may have played a role in a salmonella outbreak at a Hamilton restaurant that has now sickened 29 people, up from the last reported number of 13.

Hamilton Public Health provided on Wednesday an update on its investigation into the outbreak at Piper Arms restaurant at 1786 Stone Church Rd. E.

“Evidence from Hamilton Public Health’s Food Safety investigation and epidemiological analysis of cases suggests cross-contamination contributed to transmission within the premises rather than a sole food item as the source of illness,” a news release on Wednesday stated.

Officials added that they identified shredded cheese that tested positive for Salmonella enteritidis, but reiterated it could be a result of cross-contamination.

Hamilton Public Health said its surveillance “has not detected or found evidence of the spread of Salmonella cases in the community associated with cheese products identified.”

Of the confirmed cases, nine have been hospitalized. Hamilton Public Health is also monitoring 57 probable cases.

Some of the cases developed symptoms, such as diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain and chills, between March 30 and April 5, officials said.

Restaurant fined

“The operator has put in place measures to control the source of the outbreak, and no new cases of illness have been identified or reported since these measures have been implemented,” Hamilton Public Health said, adding that the restaurant was allowed to reopen earlier this week as a result.

Officials ordered Piper Arms to close on April 13, as the outbreak investigation got underway.

Since then, Hamilton Public Health said the operator completed “a comprehensive, facility-wide cleaning and sanitizing of the establishment,” including all food contact surfaces, equipment and utensils.

Hamilton Public Health noted that all cleaning and sanitizing activities met the requirements.

“In addition, the operator and staff have completed enhanced, targeted food handler education provided by Hamilton Public Health Certified Public Health Inspectors. This training reinforced key food safety practices, including proper temperature control, prevention of cross-contamination, and effective hand hygiene,” the news release read.

Hamilton Public Health said it issued three charges on Wednesday with fines totalling $705 to the owner of the restaurant.

“Foodborne illness outbreaks are taken very seriously, and prompt actions - including inspections and closures - are implemented to protect the community,” said Hamilton’s associate medical officer of health, Dr. Brendan Lew, in a statement.

Officials said they would be conducting follow-up inspections to ensure that the restaurant continues to comply.

Salmonella is a type of bacteria typically found in raw or undercooked foods and unpasteurized products can also spread through contaminated produce or improper food handling, health officials said.

The infection occurs six to 48 hours after exposure and can last days.