Madre Oaxacan Restaurant Salmonella Outbreak: (1) Health Code Violations; (2) a Salmonella Lawsuit; and (3) Possible Reopening September 26, 2024
A recent salmonella outbreak at Madre Oaxacan Restaurant in Valencia, California, has drawn significant public and health department attention. Over 30 confirmed cases of salmonella were linked to the restaurant, leading to its temporary closure on September 17, 2024, by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH). The restaurant, known for its Oaxacan cuisine, was implicated after numerous individuals reported experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain, after dining there.
The health investigation uncovered multiple violations that contributed to the outbreak. Some of the most severe violations identified during the inspection included:
- Ice machine contamination: Mold buildup was found inside the ice machine, specifically on the interior top portion and the ice chute. The operator voluntarily discontinued the use of the machine.
- Unsanitary food contact surfaces: Several kitchen utensils and food preparation surfaces were found to be unsanitary. Five cutting boards, labeled as clean, had deep scratches and visible food debris or mold. Similarly, large stainless steel pots stored as clean had old food stains, and plastic containers stored in the food prep station also had food debris.
- Improper handwashing facilities: The handwashing station in the main kitchen lacked functioning paper towels, hindering proper sanitation practices.
- Inadequate food safety knowledge: The restaurant’s dishwasher lacked knowledge of proper sanitizing procedures during manual dishwashing, which further compounded the risk of cross-contamination.
- Consumer advisory issues: Menus, especially the happy hour menu, failed to include necessary disclosures and reminder statements about the risks associated with consuming raw or undercooked food. This omission violated regulations intended to inform consumers about foodborne illness risks.
In response to the outbreak, Madre Oaxacan Restaurant implemented additional sanitation measures, including requiring all employees to undergo stool tests to rule out internal contamination. Despite these efforts, the LACDPH ordered the restaurant to remain closed until it could meet safety standards. According to the owner of the Madre Oaxacan Restaurant Public Health has now approved reopening, but that is not likely to happen prior to Thursday (today).
Salmonella outbreaks, like this one, highlight the importance of adhering to food safety standards in preventing disease transmission. Health authorities recommend basic hygiene practices such as handwashing after bathroom use, proper food handling, and using thermometers to ensure meats are fully cooked, which are critical in curbing the spread of bacteria like salmonella.
For individuals who believe they might have been affected, symptoms typically appear within six hours to six days after infection and can last four to seven days. Those affected by the outbreak are advised to seek medical attention and report their illness to public health authorities
Madre Oaxacan Restaurant Lawsuit Filed by National Salmonella Lawyers
In addition to the health code violations and the resulting closure of Madre Oaxacan Restaurant in Valencia, California, a legal battle has emerged following the salmonella outbreak. On September 24, 2024, the national food poisoning law firm Ron Simon & Associates, in collaboration with Gomez Trial Attorneys, filed the first lawsuit against the restaurant. This lawsuit was filed on behalf of Gary Delrosario, a patron who became seriously ill after dining at the restaurant. Delrosario and his family ate at Madre Oaxacan on September 15, 2024, after which he began experiencing symptoms of salmonellosis, including diarrhea, stomach cramps, and dehydration. Medical tests confirmed his illness was linked to salmonella bacteria, traced back to the contaminated food he consumed at the restaurant.
Ron Simon, a well-known attorney specializing in food poisoning cases, stated that the lawsuit aims to secure compensation for the victims and ensure that food safety measures are improved to prevent similar outbreaks. Simon has filed numerous cases related to foodborne illnesses and has advocated for safer food-handling practices at restaurants and food production facilities across the U.S. The lawsuit also addresses the significant number of health code violations at Madre Oaxacan, which contributed to the outbreak.
This lawsuit is expected to bring increased scrutiny to food safety practices in the region and serve as a warning to other establishments about the importance of maintaining strict health standards.
