E. Coli Outbreak Reported In Westminster

WESTMINSTER, CO — A Red Robin restaurant in Westminster closed Wednesday after an E. Coli outbreak, the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment said. Two children and an adult tested positive for E. coli after eating at the restaurant, and two were sent to the hospital, health officials said.

The Red Robin Gourmet Burgers restaurant, at 799 W. 146th Ave, was inspected by the Tri-County Health Department. Inspectors found several serious food safety violations, including improper cleaning, handwashing procedures and sanitizing, health officials said. There was also cross-contamination between raw meats and other prepared foods, according to the department.

The restaurant's staff will have to undergo food safety training and ensure all violations have been fixed before the restaurant reopens.

Red Robin issued the following statement in response:

Red Robin’s first and foremost priority is the well-being of our Guests and Team Members.

We recently became aware of a health issue at our Orchard Town Center location in Westminster, Colorado. We believe this is an isolated incident and are working with the Tri County Health department to conduct a thorough investigation at this location.

We take these concerns very seriously and, as a precaution, have voluntarily closed the location to work with our Team Members to reinforce our food handling and safety protocols. We maintain rigorous food safety standards and procedures nationwide, which comply with the most recent FDA Food Code.

E. coli can be passed between people when an infected person doesn't wash their hands properly after using the toilet. Foods that are prepared on unclean surfaces can also transmit the bacteria. People are advised to make sure raw meat never comes into contact with ready-to-eat food.

After someone is infected, symptoms begin within ten days, and include diarrhea, severe stomach pain, a fever and vomiting.