Angelo's 'Heartbroken' Over Foodborne Illness Outbreak: Lawyer

CARTERSVILLE, GA -- A Cartersville-based restaurant has come forward to address the controversy surrounding a foodborne illness outbreak that the Georgia Department of Public Health is investigating after the pizza joint catered food at an employee event last week at Toyo Tire.

Angelo's New York Style Pizza and Bistro is speaking out through its attorney, John T. Mroczko, who issued a statement Tuesday in light of the two hospitalizations and dozens of people reporting illnesses over the last few days.

“Angelo and his family are heartbroken about the recent incident at Toyo Tire and offer their deepest sympathies and prayers to those who have been affected," Mroczko said. "This community is their home and their customers are like family to them. As such, the safety of their customers and the quality of their food has always been their highest priority."

While the Georgia Department of Public Health and Bartow County environmental health specialists have not identified the cause of the outbreak and all parties, the restaurant has voluntarily closed its doors to figure out the cause and "swiftly resolve the situation," Mroczkos said.

"Their main concern is the well-being of their customers, and they will reopen the restaurant as soon as it is practical," he added. "As both counsel and longtime patron of Angelo’s, I would encourage the community to await the facts and allow the process to play out."

The state department's Northwest Health District said that while news and other social media outlets have indicated salmonella as the cause of the illnesses, that detail has not been confirmed, as "conclusive" test results are not expected back until the week of Nov. 27.

Investigators are working with Toyo Tire's human resources department to obtain more details about the outbreak from their employees. It was estimated on Monday that as many as 1,800 employees could have been affected by the outbreak. Cartersville Medical Center spokesperson Ginger Tyra said two people were hospitalized and more than 40 patients were treated in its emergency room for symptoms such as including nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Symptoms of foodborne illness include upset stomach, stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. You should see your doctor or healthcare provider if you have symptoms that are severe, including:

• High fever (temperature over 101.5°F, measured orally)
• Blood in stools
• Frequent vomiting that prevents keeping liquids down (which can lead to dehydration)
• Signs of dehydration, including a marked decrease in urination, a very dry mouth and throat, or feeling dizzy when standing up.
• Diarrhea that lasts more than 3 days

If you are sick, practice frequent and thorough handwashing to prevent secondary fecal-oral disease transmission. Disinfect commonly touched surfaces. Preferably stay home and, follow your employer's work-sick policy.

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