Contaminated cheese flagged in outbreak at Hamilton restaurant that sent 9 people to hospital

Shredded cheese contaminated by bacteria is a probable culprit in a rash of illnesses that sickened over two-dozen diners at a Hamilton restaurant and sent nine people to hospital. 

The foodborne illness outbreak was first reported by Hamilton Public Health earlier this month. On April 15, the health agency announced it was investigating a series of confirmed Salmonella infections among people who recently dined at Piper Arms Stoney Creek (1786 Stone Church Rd. E.). 

Public health officials say impacted diners developed symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain and chills between March 30 and April 5. Health officials closed the eatery on April 13. 

Today, public health officials said that the restaurant’s operator has put measures into place to control the source of the outbreak, and no new cases of illness have been identified or reported since those measures were implemented.

In a news release, officials said laboratory testing confirmed the illnesses were caused by Salmonella enteritidis, a common cause of foodborne illness. In total, 29 confirmed cases of Salmonellosis have been linked to the outbreak, along with 57 probable cases. 

Evidence from the investigation suggests that cross-contamination contributed to the outbreak, not a singular affected product. Officials say shredded cheese tested positive for the bacteria, and while they say the finding is “significant,” they caution that the food was more likely to have been accidentally contaminated than the sole source of the sicknesses. 

As of now, public health has not detected or found evidence of Salmonella cases spreading in the community based on consumption of the cheese outside the restaurant.

Officials say three charges, each with a set fine totalling $705, were issued against the operator on April 29.

Public health said the operator has adhered to cleaning and sanitization protocols set out by public health, and has–along with staff–undergone educational sessions focused on food safety practices. 

Following re-inspection on April 27, the restaurant has been cleared to reopen.

“Foodborne illness outbreaks are taken very seriously, and prompt actions – including inspections and closures – are implemented to protect the community,” said Dr. Brendan Lew, Associate Medical Officer of Health, in a statement.

Hamilton Public Health said it will conduct additional follow-up inspections to observe food-handling practices and ensure food safety standards are consistently maintained.