Food ruled out as E. coli outbreak source
Source of Article: http://www.nugget.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1283347
Posted By JENNIFER HAMILTON-MCCHARLES,
THE NUGGET
Updated 8 hours ago
Food samples tested
for E. coli at Harvey's
Restaurant North Bay have returned with negative results.
Dr. Catherine Whiting, medical officer of health with the North Bay
Parry Sound District Health Unit, said finding the source is not a process
that can be completed overnight.
She said in these situations there is a
pretty high" potential that a product will
not be identified, however they're getting closer to narrowing down
possible causes of the bacterial outbreak.
I am hopeful we will have a report to release, however nothing will be
made before December and maybe later."
Whiting said the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit is working
with
many" other agencies, including heath units in 10 Ontario
communities, Quebec and British Columbia where people have reported
symptoms related to E. coli, such as bloody diarrhea.
The Algonquin Avenue
restaurant has been closed since Oct. 12. There is still no indication when
it will reopen for business.
Whiting closed its doors after there was sufficient evidence to link a
potential E. coli outbreak to the fast food outlet.
When asked when the restaurant will reopen, Whiting said the health unit
is working with the restaurant.
We made sure we had all the samples and now we don't need access to the
food."
As of Wednesday
afternoon there are 249 cases under investigation, of which 49 have been
lab confirmed for E. coli. At least two people have been hospitalized from
the outbreak.
According to a media release from the health unit, the outbreak is in
its final stages with no new lab-confirmed cases."
During its monthly meeting Wednesday, the health unit board approved the
law firm of Middlebro' and Stevens to advise them
in regard to legal matters pertaining to the E. coli outbreak.
We had to look for a legal representative, because our current lawyer
has a conflict of interest in this situation," Whiting said, adding
the Owen Sound law firm worked with the health unit involved in the
Walkerton E. coli tragedy.
They have good experience with this issue."
A $17-million class-action lawsuit has been filed against Cara
Operations Ltd., the company which runs the Harvey's chain.
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