Cafe Med and Back Bay Sandwich, two Boston restaurants, have been linked to an outbreak of Salmonella, according to the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC). The restaurants have had their permits to operate temporarily suspended. To date there are 8 people who have been diagnosed with Salmonella food poisoning and are part of this outbreak:
- 4 ate at Cafe Med
- 2 at Back Bay Sandwich
- 2 at both restaurants.
Salmonella Outbreak Investigation Finds Safety Violations
Boston public health officials inspected both restaurants and found safety violations involving the preparation and handling of food. Back Bay Sandwich and Cafe Med, both located at 31 Saint James Avenue in Boston, had their permits pulled on May 18, 2017.
The Boston Inspectional Services Department issued the following statement: “ISD and the Boston Public Health Commission are working with Cafe Med and Backbay [sic] Sandwich to ensure compliance of all applicable codes. This is an ongoing investigation into the cause of the illness and the health permits for both establishments will be suspended until further notice.”
At Cafe Med, there were also violations, including:
- Foods held at an unsafe temperature, including cheese turnovers at 117°F, chicken at 88°F, spanakopitas at 87°F, feta cheese at 74°F for about 3 hours, raw chicken at 48°F, and ground beef at 62°F for an “unknown time”;
- Raw waste backing up into prep sinks;
- Dirty refrigerators;
- Incorrect storage of raw eggs, chicken and ground beef, which was stored next to ready-to-eat products.;
- Inadequate handwashing, in part, because two handwash sinks were blocked with equipment.
At Back Bay Sandwich, some of the violations included:
- Employees wrapping products in waxed paper and plastic before the food was cooled to 41°F or below;
- Storing food at temperatures above 40°, including turkey breast at 50°F, sliced roast beef at 56°F, mayonnaise at 55°F, sliced turkey at 52°F, salad at 57°F, and cheeses at 55°F;
- Touching food without putting on new gloves or washing their hands.
The BPHC report also states that “employees are not adequately trained in food safety and sanitation.”
Sue Cafe Med and/or Back Bay Sandwich for Compensation
You may have the right to sue Cafe Med or Back Bay Sandwich for compensation, including amounts for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages. It is important to hire a Salmonella lawyer who has won cases against restaurants. Call our law firm at 1-888-377-8900 (toll-free).
