A Los Angeles area restaurant was temporarily closed following an outbreak of Salmonella last week, according to multiple sources. Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause serious infections, especially in vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems.
The closure of Madre Oaxacan Restaurant in Valencia, California came after several patrons reported experiencing severe gastrointestinal issues symptomatic of food poisoning after dining at the restaurant. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has confirmed that at least ten individuals fell ill.
The outbreak was first reported over the weekend when customers began experiencing symptoms such as stomach cramps, diarrhea, and fever. One of the affected patrons shared her experience, stating that she initially went online to leave a negative review but soon realized that many others had similar complaints.
Ivan Vasquez, the owner of Madre Oaxacan Restaurant, expressed his regret over the incident and mentioned that a customer had informed him about testing positive for salmonella, which led him to contact the health department. A temporary closure order soon followed.
Vasquez said he will be working closely with health officials to identify the source of the contamination and ensure that the restaurant meets all safety standards before reopening.
Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause severe gastrointestinal illness in humans. Symptoms typically include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, appearing six hours to six days after exposure to the bacteria. While most people recover without specific treatment, the infection can be severe, especially for young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
The health department has also issued guidelines to the public on how to prevent the spread of salmonella, including washing hands thoroughly, cooking meat to the appropriate temperatures, and avoiding the consumption of raw eggs and undercooked foods.
The agency’s investigation is ongoing. Officials have collected samples and conducted interviews to trace the origin of the outbreak.
The restaurant will undergo a thorough sanitization before reopening.
Commenting on this story, one national Salmonella lawyer said, “This incident has once again highlighted the importance of food safety and the need for any business that serves food to the public to maintain strict hygiene practices. In this case, it appears the local public health department responded quickly to the restaurant’s owner and to customer complaints.”
