The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit in Ontario, Canada, is investigating a number of possible food sources related to seven laboratory confirmed cases of E. coli O157:H7 and an additional 20 illnesses.

Dr. Catherine Whiting, Medical Officer of Health, North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit, said that many cases were traced back to Harvey’s restaurant located at 1899 Algonquin Avenue in North Bay, adding,

“To protect the health of the public, and based on initial analysis, I ordered the closure of the Harvey’s restaurant on Algonquin on Sunday evening at 9 pm as a precautionary measure. At that time, our health inspectors conducted a thorough inspection of the premises and collected food samples for testing. Until we receive the lab results, we cannot confirm the source of the E. coli contamination. At this point in the investigation, it appears to have been limited to this North Bay location.”

The Health Unit continues to investigate all possible food sources and Harvey’s is cooperating fully with the investigation.

Harvey’s President Rick McNabb said,

“The health and safety of our guests is our most important priority. We are cooperating fully with the Health Unit to determine the cause, and we take this matter very seriously.”

For more information, visit the Health Unit’s web site at www.healthunit.biz or call (705) 474-1400, or 1-800-563-3808.