Homegrown restaurant patrons fall ill from e. coli
Four customers at Homegrown restaurants in Redmond, Kirkland, and Seattle, Washington, have tested positive for e. coli after consuming the restaurants’ food. All four patrons ate the chicken pesto sandwich in late April. Environmental health investigators are working to determine which particular ingredient in the sandwich caused the illnesses.
Food safety issues may have been at the root of the e. coli contamination in the restaurants. Inspectors found violations of handwashing regulations at two of the three locations. They also discovered a cold holding temperature violation at one of the restaurants. All three restaurants have been required to complete a thorough cleaning and disinfection.
None of the Homegrown restaurants is currently selling the chicken pesto sandwich, as the investigation into the source is ongoing. The restaurants are keeping the various ingredients in store, to have in case the investigations decide to do further testing.
- coli contamination can occur through consumption of undercooked ground beef and other beef products; unpasteurized (raw) milk, cheese, and juice; contaminated raw fruits, vegetables, sprouts and herbs; water contaminated with animal feces, or by direct contact with farm animals or their environment. Ready-to-eat foods can also be contaminated with e. coli through contact with raw beef or raw beef juices in the kitchen.
Symptoms of food poisoning caused by e. coli contamination include diarrhea, fever, nausea, and stomach cramping. A small percentage of people suffering from an e. coli infection experience hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a deadly complication. HUS shuts down the kidneys and other vital organs, creating serious problems that can result in permanent damage or death if left untreated.
If you have consumed potentially contaminated food at a Homegrown restaurant in Redmond, Kirkland, or Seattle, Washington, please contact the food poisoning lawyers at 1-888-335-4901 to learn more about your legal options.
