WBTV published a press release from the Catawba County Public Health Department on its website regarding the Salmonella outbreak that has recently plagued customers of Carniceria y Taqueria Hermanos Chavez located in Newton. Following is an excerpt from the press release:
Catawba County Public Health is continuing to investigate a food borne illness outbreak. There have been 176 cases of illness reported so far. The lab has confirmed 25 cases being positive for Salmonella. “As of this afternoon, we are encouraged by the fact that there have been no further reports of people presenting with symptoms at local emergency rooms,” stated Doug Urland, Health Director at Catawba County Public Health.
Most of the people with symptoms report having eaten at Carniceria y Taqueria Hermanos Chavez located in Newton off U.S. 321 business. On Friday, November 2nd Public Health made a site visit to the restaurant and the owner was very concerned about the health of his patrons so he voluntarily closed the restaurant on that evening as a precautionary measure and it has remained closed. The owner is working closely with Public Health Officials to meet the required measures including; discarding restaurant food and sanitizing the establishment.
Not surprisingly, this week’s food safety infosheet from the International Food Safety Network focuses on Salmonella outbreaks. The infosheet, titled, "What’s up with all the Salmonella? Is it that common?" can be found below.