Diner closed for salmonella remains shuttered
October 14, 2009
Jesse McLean
STAFF REPORTER
Patrons of a popular Chinese restaurant in Scarborough that was shut down last week over a salmonella outbreak will have to wait a bit longer before the eatery reopens.
Cleaning crews spent most of Wednesday working inside Ruby Chinese Restaurant, near Finch Ave. E. and McCowan Rd. Outside, three employees stuffed bread and other food products into a giant dumpster.
"I guess they want to get it in tip-top shape, which they should do. It's better to take their time and get it right," said health department spokesperson Rishma Govani.
The eatery was shut down following a Toronto Public Health inspection on Oct. 7 and flunked a second inspection on Oct. 9.
A pest-control company is expected to revisit the restaurant Wednesday evening, and a third inspection should take place by the end of the week, Govani said.
The initial inspection revealed a handful of culinary faux pas, such as a cockroach infestation, cooking surfaces not adequately cleaned and food not properly protected from contamination.
After delays caused by the long weekend, the restaurant brought in a pest-control company on Tuesday.
The city's health department has added a 16th person to the list of probable salmonella cases - which include one death - that are linked to the restaurant.
Another 22 confirmed cases are linked to the outbreak, which health authorities believe occurred between Sept. 12 and Sept. 20.
The source of the outbreak is thought to be poultry, such as chicken or duck, authorities say.
Meanwhile, a second Toronto restaurant has just been reopened after failing to meet public health standards. Camto, a Korean restaurant on Bloor St. W. near Christie St., was shut down on Oct. 6 after an inspection revealed a serious rodent infestation and sewage backup, Govani said.
The restaurant reopened Tuesday night after passing a follow-up check.
A report by the Medical Officer of Health earlier this year found that 400,000 Toronto residents — one in four — get food-borne illnesses every year. A majority of those occur in the home.
thestar.com
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