There are now 205 illnesses from a church dinner in Prince Edward Island, up from 160.

The Chief Public Health Office began investigating a potential gastrointestinal outbreak Monday after notification that several people became ill after consuming a roast beef dinner prepared by volunteers as part of a fundraiser for Princetown United Church on Saturday, April 28, 2012.

Information obtained by interviewing persons who purchased the meal indicates that the roast beef was the most likely source of the food-borne illness. Those who picked up their meal early in the afternoon were less likely to have become ill. Food testing is being conducted and it is expected to be several days before all results are known.

During the course of the investigation, it was determined that the roast beef was prepared at various sites including the homes of volunteers. This is contrary to the regulations for preparing meals for sale to the public. High-risk foods such as meat, poultry and fish must be cooked and prepared in a licenced facility.

A licence for sale of food for a church supper or community fundraiser can be obtained by contacting the Environmental Health Office of the Department of Health and Wellness which will conduct an inspection. Food handling and proper preparation procedures will be reviewed when the licence is issued.

In addition, it is recommended that persons who participate in serving or distribution of meals for the public participate in a food safety course which is offered free of charge by Environmental Health.