At least 40 people have been sickened in a salmonella outbreak at Madre Oaxacan Restaurant & Mezcaleria in Valencia.
According to the Santa Clarita Signal, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health officials shut down the restaurant in September 2024. The move followed a series of food poisoning reports from diners who became sick after eating at the restaurant.
Public health officials launched an investigation into the illnesses. They found 12 violations and gave Madre Oaxacan Restaurant & Mezcaleria a “C” rating.
The Newport Beach personal injury law firm of Bisnar Chase is following this investigation closely and is currently representing two people who were sickened in this outbreak.
Our clients, a couple that dined at the restaurant, ordered several Happy Hour items, which they both shared. On Sept. 22, both went to a local urgent care center. The wife, a nurse, tested positive for salmonella, and both were treated with antibiotics. She was also told by health officials to stay home.
Several Violations Reported After Salmonella Outbreak
According to the Signal, the investigation of Madre Oaxacan Restaurant & Mezcaleria revealed several issues. The report stated that the pico de gallo, queso fresco, tamales, and chile relleno were observed being stored in an operable cooler and were measured as being above the approved temperature of 41 degrees.
In addition, the report noted that shellfish was “also observed to be maintained in an unsafe manner.” Health officials told the outlet via email that several people reported experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms after consuming food at the restaurant on Sept. 17.
Many residents took to online reviews to inform the public about their symptoms after eating at the Mexican restaurant. Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital officials also confirmed to the Signal that there was an increase in patients seen on Sept. 20 and Sept. 21 who complained of food poisoning.
The establishment re-opened this week after the owner said they corrected the violations. Inspectors this week gave the restaurant an “A” rating. The source of the salmonella outbreak that sickened so many people is still not known.
What is Salmonella and How Does It Affect Your Health?
Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can cause food poisoning. The infection, known as salmonellosis, occurs when the bacteria are ingested through contaminated food or water.
The infection typically affects the intestines, leading to symptoms that range from mild to severe. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates salmonella bacteria cause about 1.35 million infections, 26,500 hospitalizations, and 420 deaths in the United States every year. Food is the source of most of these illnesses.
After exposure, symptoms usually develop within six to 72 hours. Common symptoms include diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever, and nausea. Some may also experience vomiting, headache, or chills. Diarrhea caused by salmonella infection can be particularly severe, leading to dehydration if fluids are not promptly replaced.
Salmonella Symptoms
In most healthy individuals, symptoms last between four and seven days, and tend to resolve without medical intervention. However, in vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems, salmonellosis can lead to more serious complications.
These include severe dehydration, bloodstream infections, and the potential spread of infection to other parts of the body, like the bones, joints, or nervous system.
Treatment for these infections typically involves managing symptoms by staying hydrated and getting rest. The best way to prevent salmonellosis is through proper food handling, cooking, and hygiene practices, including washing hands after handling raw meat and avoiding cross-contamination of food.
However, we have seen and handled many food poisoning cases sustained at restaurants that should have better food-handling processes in place. This salmonella outbreak at Madre Oaxacan Restaurant & Mezcaleria is just the latest example.
Responsibility of Restaurants Toward Their Customers
Restaurants have a legal and moral responsibility to ensure the safety of the food they serve to the public. This responsibility includes following strict hygiene and food safety practices to prevent foodborne illnesses, such as salmonella, E. coli, and norovirus, which can result from improper food handling, cooking, or storage.
Here are some of the responsibilities restaurants must fulfill when it comes to food safety and the safety of their customers:
Safe food handling: Restaurant staff must wash hands regularly, sanitize surfaces, and use separate equipment for handling raw and cooked foods to prevent cross-contamination. Raw meats, for example, should be stored separately from ready-to-eat items.
Proper preparation and storage: Food must be cooked to the appropriate temperatures to kill harmful bacteria. Perishable foods should be stored at safe temperatures to prevent bacterial growth.
Using quality ingredients: Restaurants are responsible for ensuring that the ingredients they use are fresh, not expired, and sourced from reliable suppliers who meet food safety standards.
Staff health and hygiene: Employees must maintain personal hygiene, and those who are ill should not work, especially if they handle food.
If a restaurant fails to meet these standards and someone contracts food poisoning, it can be held legally liable. Victims may seek compensation for medical bills, lost income, and other damages.
What to Do If You Suspect Salmonella Food Poisoning After Eating Out
If you have contracted salmonella after eating at a restaurant, it is important that you take the following steps that prioritize your physical well-being and, at the same time, help protect your legal rights:
- Seek medical attention. First, go to the emergency department, urgent care, or your doctor to get a proper diagnosis. A stool test can confirm if you have a salmonella infection. Your medical records will serve as important evidence if you decide to pursue legal action.
- Document everything. Keep detailed records of your symptoms, doctor visits, treatments, and any expenses related to your illness. If possible, save the receipt from the restaurant where you believe you contracted the infection, as well as any communication you may have had with the establishment.
- Report the incident. Contact your local health department to report your illness. They may investigate the restaurant, especially if other people have also reported illnesses. The results of this investigation can help support your case.
- Preserve evidence. If you have leftover food, store it properly (freeze it if possible), as it might serve as crucial evidence during any investigation or legal proceedings.
Contact a Food Poisoning Attorney
Perhaps the most important step is to contact and consult with an experienced food poisoning lawyer who has handled salmonella outbreak cases. The right attorney can help you seek compensation to cover your damages.
The effects of food poisoning can vary in severity. But at their worst, they can have a severe impact on the victim. Damages can include medical bills, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering.
Bisnar Chase has helped many victims of food poisoning. Contact our personal injury law firm for a free consultation.
Sources:
- https://signalscv.com/2024/09/public-health-16-cases-of-salmonella-linked-to-valencia-restaurant/
- https://signalscv.com/2024/09/valencia-restaurant-officially-reopens-after-salmonella-outbreak/
