press release

Food-Borne Illness Outbreak Investigation Status

Point Edward, ON – Lambton Public Health (LPH) continues to investigate an outbreak of salmonellosis in people who ate at the Barakat restaurant in Sarnia and the Barakat Food Truck in Corunna between October 19th and 29th, 2020.

At the time of this release, LPH has received 33 laboratory confirmed cases related to this outbreak. The age range for the laboratory confirmed cases consists of individuals 9 months to 73 years of age. In addition, approximately 170 other individuals have reported illness with symptoms compatible with salmonellosis after eating at these food premises. Nine people have been hospitalized. Approximately 90 per cent of the exposures identified occurred between October 21st and 25th, 2020.

Food and environmental swabs have been submitted to public health labs as they become available from the investigation. Initial lab confirmed results from food samples have been negative, and others are still pending. The investigation into the source of this outbreak is ongoing.

The owners of the restaurant continue to cooperate with Lambton Public Health and remain closed while LPH ensures there is no on-going risk of illness. Lambton Public Health continues to work with local, provincial and federal stakeholders to support the open investigation.

Members of the public who ate at the Barakat restaurant or food truck between October 19th and October 29th and became ill with symptoms of Salmonella infection (diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, vomiting) are advised to:

  • Report the illness to Lambton Public Health at 519-383-8331 or toll free 1-800-667-1839
  • Contact their health care provider as needed if symptomatic

Additional information on Salmonella infections and how to prevent them can be found on the Ontario Ministry of Health website.

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Please contact:

LPH-media-inquiries@county-lambton.on.ca