A McDonald’s restaurant in New York has temporarily shut down as state and local health officials probe illnesses tied to 22 people who say they ate at the restaurant.
Officials from the New York State and Chautauqua County health agencies said in a joint statement that the multiple illnesses are “potentially associated” with a franchised McDonald’s at 2803 N. Main Street Extension in Jamestown, N.Y.
Of the 22 individuals, 15 said they ate “various breakfast sandwiches at the establishment” between Aug. 4 and Aug. 21.
Health officials say they are testing patient samples as well as breakfast sandwiches prepared at the McDonald’s for any link to a foodborne disease.
In a statement, McDonald’s franchisee Enrico Francani said he is cooperating with health officials and has temporarily closed the restaurant to clean and sanitize.
“Because the health and safety of our customers is always our top priority, out of an abundance of caution, we proactively closed a restaurant for cleaning and sanitation. We look forward to reopening soon,” he said.
The cleanup includes “a thorough cleaning of the food preparation area and all equipment,” health officials said.
Local county health officials will also review the food preparation and distribution process at the restaurant. The franchisee will obtain a fresh supply of ingredients prior to reopening the store, officials said.
The incident is the second food scare incident to occur at the Chicago-based burger chain this summer. In July, McDonald’s temporarily halted salad sales at roughly 3,000 restaurants in 13 states after more than 250 people reported getting sick at multiple restaurants throughout the Midwest.
A few weeks later, the Food and Drug Administration traced the July illnesses to a Fresh Express processor in Streamwood, Ill.
McDonald’s is not the only national restaurant chain dealing with food safety issues lately.
Ohio state and federal health officials earlier this month linked 647 reported foodborne illnesses to a Chipotle restaurant in Ohio. Faulty food temperatures appear to be the cause, according to health officials investigating outbreak, which occurred in July.
This week, Chipotle initiated food safety training sessions with employees throughout the chain.
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