Salmonella Exposure FAQs
Why has South East Health Unit issued this public notice?
South East Health Unit received an unusual number of salmonella infection cases reported to our office, and we are investigating an outbreak of the infection. Due to the pattern of cases, we suspect that the outbreak has been caused by a common exposure source, likely from contaminated food. Many of the cases of salmonella infection had eaten food at Rocky River Café in Perth Ont., on or around July 15th.
What is salmonella?
Salmonella is a group of bacteria that can cause gastroenteritis and infection of the digestive tract as well as more serious illness such as sepsis. Salmonella can be spread from person to person, most often from contaminated hands or objects. Infections can also be caused by food that has been contaminated with the bacteria. You can read more about salmonella here: Salmonellosis (Salmonella) – Canada.ca
How does someone know if they could have a salmonella infection?
Common symptoms of salmonella infection include diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, nausea, and vomiting, typically appearing 6 hours to 7 days, and usually 12-36 hours, after exposure.
How do I contact your office to report a suspected case of salmonella?
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms after eating at Rocky River Café on or around July 15, 2025, contact the SEHU by calling the toll free line at 1-800-660-5853 ext.2222 or click on this link to provide information for our investigation.
What if I ate food at Rocky River Café around July 15 and do not have symptoms of salmonella. Do I still need to call the Health Unit?
At this time we are only asking people who have or are experiencing gastrointestinal infection symptoms to call the Health Unit.
What advice do you have for someone experiencing symptoms?
If you are experiencing symptoms, we recommend that you seek medical attention by contacting your health care provider. If you do not have a healthcare provider, call Health Care Connect at 811 or visit www.virtualcareontario.ca or call 1-888-684-1999.
Why do I need to call the Health Unit?
In order to better understand the source of exposure for these cases of salmonella, the Health Unit’s investigation includes identifying what specific foods were eaten and whether there are other sources of exposure. This helps us monitor the health of the community and prevent further infections.
How do you prevent the spread of salmonella?
Salmonella can be spread from person to person, as well as from contaminated food.
Prevent infection from contaminated food by:
- Keeping raw and ready-to-eat ingredients separate, including separate plates and utensils.
- Cleaning surfaces and utensils, and wash your hands, before preparing food and in between handling raw and ready-to-eat foods.
- Cooking meat to the proper minimum internal temperature. Ground chicken and chicken pieces and meat mixtures need to reach 74°C (165°F), whole poultry 82°C (180°F), ground meats and pork 71°C (160°F), and fish and seafood 70°C (158°F).
- Storing foods such as meat, eggs, and dairy in the refrigerator at 4°C until ready to use. Cool leftovers quickly and store covered in the refrigerator at 4°C.
Prevent person-to-person spread of salmonella by:
- Washing your hands with soap and water after using the bathroom, after changing diapers, and before preparing and eating meals. If you are experiencing diarrhea and or vomiting, avoid preparing or serving food.
- Do not attend work while ill with vomiting or diarrhea if you are a food handler, child care worker, or health care worker.
- Children who are experiencing vomiting and or diarrhea should not attend daycare/summer camp/school until they are 48 hours symptom-free
What is public health’s role in ensuring food premises are complying with food safety practices?
Under Ontario’s Health Protection and Promotion Act and its regulations, health units are required to inspect food service premises. Health Units also respond to complaints from members of the public regarding food safety practices in food premises, as well as any other establishments that the Health Unit inspects.
Why has South East Health Unit ordered Rocky River Café to close?
Because of the number of salmonella cases that have been linked to Rocky River Café, and to prevent any further cases as the investigation is ongoing, SEHU has issued a closure order to the Rocky River Café under Section 13 of the Health Protection and Promotion Act.
Is the closure order for Rocky River Café permanent?
No. We are working closely with the restaurant operators to ensure that any risk is eliminated, and the restaurant will remain closed until a full inspection determines the premises is safe to reopen.
Where can I find public health inspection reports for premises in Leeds, Grenville and Lanark?
Health Unit inspection reports are publicly reported, and can be found on the Health Unit’s website in the section entitled INSIGHT. SEHU remains committed to protecting the health of our community through rigorous inspection, enforcement, and education.