Employees carrying salmonella bacteria caused an outbreak that has sickened at least nine patrons of a restaurant here in late October and early November, reports the NWI Times.

Porter County Health Department Administrator Keith Letta said at least three of the Lakeshore Cafe’s 29 employees and owners have tested positive, with some results still pending.
 
The positive tests mean that poor handwashing and hygiene, rather than bad food, led to the outbreak.
 
Before employees can return to work, state health regulations say they must test negative twice with at least 24 hours between tests. The restaurant closed on Tuesday and will remain closed until all food-contact surfaces, such as cutting boards and prep tables, are cleaned with a bleach solution.