Health unit wraps up food poisoning investigation

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit has wrapped up its investigation into a food poisoning case last month at the Slovak Legion. 

Thirty-four people became sick after eating a Christmas meal at the facility on Dec. 14.  The health unit has now confirmed through laboratory tests that turkey was the food that caused the illnesses.  

The bacteria that caused the illnesses was found in the cooked turkey sample and stool samples that were submitted for testing. The health unit says these food-related outbreaks are usually associated with inadequately cooled or reheated meals such as turkey dinners.

The legion was previously ordered to pay a fine in connection with the incident. 

The health unit is reminding local establishments not to partially cook meat and poultry one day and then reheat it the next, as this allows bacteria to multiply.