Salmonella tied to Taste of Chicago booth

July 11, 2007 (WLS) -- The Chicago Health Department is investigating more cases of salmonella poisoning at the Taste of Chicago. They appear to be traced to one booth.

That booth at Taste of Chicago was operated by Pars Cove restaurant on the North Side. The city says this is the first confirmed outbreak of the illness ever linked to the Taste of Chicago. There are questions what caused it and if other people got sick.

Chicago health officials are investigating about 17 cases right now and all 17 people have one thing in common. They all had food from the Pars Cove booth at the Taste of Chicago. Health officials have not been able to pinpoint the source of the outbreak, whether it was food handlers who did not wash their hands properly, or perhaps the food was not cooked thoroughly. The owner of the restaurant is speaking out, saying it is an unfortunate situation and that officials are focusing on the hummus that was being served at that food booth.

The Pars Cove restaurant has been in business 31 years. It is owned by Mike Bambouyani and his father. And they are fully cooperating with Chicago health officials.

"I respect the Health Department for what they do, they're out there, they're concerned about people. We have been here 31 years and planning on staying here another 31," said Bambouyani.

Pars Cove had a booth at the Taste of Chicago, serving several dishes, including hummus. Health officials announced Wednesday that a handful of salmonella cases appear to be related to the Pars Cove booth.

"Out of those 17 illnesses that we have been able to investigate, we have been able to confirm salmonella in five of these individuals," said Susan Gerber, Chicago Health Department.

Tens of thousands of people from the region flock to the Taste of Chicago. This is the first time in the Taste's history there's been a confirmed outbreak of illness. Although Chicago food inspectors test the temperature of the foods and cleanliness, officials say there is no way they could have found the microscopic organisms.

"We don't go around testing for any micro, whether it be salmonella, E. coli or any of these things. What we're doing is seeing if the conditions are such that it would promote bacterial growth," said Dr. Terry Mason, Commissioner, Chicago Health Department.

The outbreak triggered a health inspection at the restaurant, 435 W. Diversey. Health officials say they found six violations there, from a refrigerator not being set at the proper temperature to evidence of rodents and dirty containers. The owners say they have dealt with the issues and hope health officials will consider the possibility that other food booths at the Taste could have been an issue.

"I know how the food was handled, where it's been, and as far as them narrowing it down, it's difficult to say that the hummus is something that would make people sick," said Bambouyani.

"I don't blame him or the restaurant, because I don't think it was deliberate. I think it was just an isolated incident," said Monique Roach, who says she experienced pains after eating hummos from the Pars Cove booth.

Symptoms include diarrhea, fever and cramps. If you believe you are affected, you should contact your doctor and contact the Chicago Board of Health at (312) 744-5000.

Two people remained in the hospital Wednesday evening. Health officials say they expect the number of sick people to climb as the word about this gets out.

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