Food poisoning leads to Queensland restaurant closure

A restaurant has been closed down by Queensland Health, after it was found to be responsible for a number of cases of food poisoning.

Around 80 people were affected by the outbreak, which saw Logan City council shut the doors of the Chin Chin Chinese eatery in Springwood on January 8. Many of those suffering from the symptoms of food poisoning had to be hospitalised.

A Metro South Health – the Brisbane-based authority dealing with the issue – spokesperson explained that there were a number of official enquiries from members of the public as to how the outbreak occurred.

“[Metro South Health] received nine formal complaints, but they relate to multiple people. [We are] investigating, with samples and statements taken from a number of people,” he said in a media statement.

While the investigation goes on to find the root cause of the issue, Logan City council has been quick to step in, temporarily ceasing operations of the restaurant.

“We have taken steps under the Food Act 2006 to ensure there is no further risk until the outcome of the investigation is known. We also encourage people would like to report any other alleged cases of illness to contact Queensland Health,” a Logan City council spokesperson explained.

Public health warning

The state government have even seen fit to release a public health warning aimed at anyone who may have frequented the restaurant recently – with particular reference to the weekend of January 3.

This government release highlights the need for education regarding gastro-intestinal illness – the same condition that has left many people in need of hospital treatment in this very case.

“Left untreated, people can become very sick from gastro and the longer they don’t seek treatment, the more dehydrated you become and the recovery time increases,” says Metro South Health public health physician Dr Kari Jarvinen.

Salmonella risk

Despite being in the early stages of the investigation, it is believed that salmonella could be the bacteria which lead to so many people being taken ill – with both the Courier Mail and the Guardian noting that it may well have been a bad batch of deep fried ice cream which is to blame.

If that is indeed the case, this is yet another example in which an effective thermometer and data logger should have been utilised.

All businesses which are involved in the food industry must abide by the strictest standards – or face the subsequent penalties. Implementing a device such as the testo 103 folding thermometer is a simple and effective way to keep track of the internal temperature of produce, ensuring that the risk of harmful bacteria build up is kept to an absolute minimum.