The Middlesex-London Health Unit has concluded its investigation of an outbreak of food-borne illness after several people became sick following a recent fundraising event held at the Portuguese Canadian Club in Strathroy.

Food samples from the event and stool samples provided by attendees who became ill, were submitted to the public health laboratory last week for analysis. Laboratory reports identified Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin in two stool samples and Clostridium perfringens bacteria in a sample of roast beef from the event.

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, Clostridium perfringens can be found in contaminated food that has been cooked slowly, cooled too slowly, kept too warm in storage, and/or reheated to a temperature that is too low.

Health Unit staff have begun the process of notifying individuals who became ill about the results of their investigation.

To ensure safe food preparation at home, the Health Unit recommends:

• Cleaning hands using soap and warm water before preparing food. Using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer is also effective to prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria.
• Keeping raw meat, poultry, seafood and their juices, away from other food items.
• Using a food thermometer to ensure food is cooked to the proper internal temperature.
• Keeping meat hot at 60° Celsius (140 Fahrenheit) once it is cooked.
• Chilling leftovers within two hours of serving.
• Not preparing food for others if you are feeling sick or unwell.

For more tips and information about safe food handling, visit www.healthunit.com/food-safety.

Media Contact:
Dan Flaherty, Communications Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit
519-663-5317 extension 2469 or 519-617-0570

Spokesperson:
Mary Lou Albanese, Manager of Infectious Diseases, Middlesex-London Health Unit