Cause Of Foodborne Illness Outbreak at Toyo Tire Revealed

CARTERSVILLE, GA -- The Georgia Department of Public Health now knows the cause of the foodborne illness outbreak that sickened dozens of Toyo Tire employees who ate meals catered last week by a Cartersville restaurant.

Salmonella is the source behind the outbreak that hospitalized five people and forced scores of people to make a trip to an area hospital for treatment, the state said. The catered event, held Nov. 14-15 at the Bartow County-based company, was catered by Angelo's New York Style Pizza and Bistro.

Logan Boss, spokesperson for the department's Northwest Health District, said the culprit was discovered from multiple positive lab test results for salmonella from employees who attended the event.

Angelo's voluntarily closed its doors earlier this week and will remain closed until the week of Monday, Nov. 27 while the state conducts a thorough review of its practices. Boss said employees of the restaurant have already received rigorous training in safe food-handling methods from Bartow County Health Department environmental health specialists.

As of Wednesday, 70 people have been treated at Cartersville Medical Center's Emergency Room for symptoms related to the outbreak, said spokesperson Ginger Tyra. Floyd Medical Center spokesperson Daniel Bevels said about 15 patients have reported illnesses related to last week's meal.

The family behind the restaurant on Tuesday released a statement about the illnesses that have, no doubt, been a public-relations nightmare for the establishment.

"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," John T. Mroczko, attorney for the company, added. "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."

State public health records show Angelo's, which is located on Henderson Drive, has undergone food service inspections five times since November 2015. Its most recent score 88/B, was given to the restaurant on Sept. 26 of this year. Previous scores include: 87/B on March 16; 93/A on Sept. 19, 2016; 92/A on March 23, 2016; and 93/A on Nov. 5, 2015.

The Northwest Health District and the Bartow County Health Department continue to work with Toyo Tire human resources officials to gather and compile additional information about the outbreak directly from the roughly 1,800 employees who attended the event and potentially may have been exposed.

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 hand washing 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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