Wendy's closed for thorough cleaning
Published Tuesday November 3rd, 2009
E. coli | Cases were linked to salads prepared last week
Wendy's customers on Prospect Street were turned away from the fast-food restaurant Monday as the establishment voluntarily shut its doors to conduct a thorough cleaning and quality control review.
As a goodwill gesture, the chain handed out $1 off coupons for future visits, while it undertook its top-to-bottom scrub down Monday.
Even sidewalks leading into the restaurant were disinfected.
The extra precautions were taken after six confirmed cases of E. coli were reported by patrons who ate at the restaurant prior to Oct. 27.
The provincial Health Department's Fredericton office issued a public advisory of the symptoms of E. coli 0157:H7.
As of Monday, Health Department spokeswoman Shannon Hagerman said two additional cases were confirmed, bringing the total to six.
But Hagerman said all of the cases relate to food consumed before Oct. 27, and the common denominator in the six cases is that patrons consumed salads made at the store.
Store franchisee Dan Moore said he has had the assistance of Wendy's Canada personnel and a visit by quality assurance representatives from the United States to help him ascertain that all processes and procedures employed at the restaurant meet the highest quality control standards.
"We voluntarily closed our store today to undertake a thorough and complete cleaning of our restaurant," Moore said. "We want to be 100 per cent certain that we are able to provide a safe product. We are not taking this lightly."
Although the restaurant had to turn numerous customers away Monday, Moore said the loss of revenue is irrelevant when compared to ensuring the public's safety.
"Our reputation and the quality of our food is of vital importance to us, and we will take all the steps necessary to let our customers know that their health is our primary concern," Moore said.
Dr. Cristin Muecke, regional medical officer of health, said anyone who ate at the restaurant before Oct. 27 should seek medical attention if they experience symptoms of gastro-intestinal illness, severe cramps, diarrhea, abdominal pain and vomiting.
"The restaurant has implemented control measures to help minimize any risks and has been fully inspected," states a Health Department news release.
The department said the restaurant is co-operating and health officials saw no reason to order the establishment closed.
Moore said his business will continue to co-operate with the Health Department as needed.
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Comments (13)
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How many places would take things this seriously and voluntarily close?
Most would wait until the Health Department red flagged and closed their doors.
Scary event none the less, but Dan, as always, shows he's a man of the community first.
I do not know who the manager is but I have eaten there before and will eat there again - with or without the coupon.
However, I hope they realize that, though it's good their equipment gets a thorough cleaning, the e-coli comes from the food. There has been several cases of e-coli along the eastern US from ground beef.