According to the Argus-Press the focus of an Owosso, Wisconsin Salmonella outbreak that has sickened at least 13 has been El Potrero, a Mexican restaurant with four locations in Owosso, Flint and Swartz Creek.  Manager Alex Aylala told the Argus-Press that he is shocked the probe has focused on the business because of its emphasis on sanitation.

According to Aylala, the health department’s investigation has centered on the restaurant’s salsa and canned tomatoes used in the preparation of the condiment.  “They didn’t find anything (wrong) during inspections. We changed things, to double check that they are OK,” he said. “Just to make sure.”

Director of Personal Health Courtney Herrick Wednesday said that during the investigation, multiple food samples were taken from the facility suspected of causing the outbreak, but all of the samples have come back negative for Salmonella.  She said the negative tests are the major reason the name of the restaurant was not released.

“Most people infected with salmonella develop diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection,” the press release notes. “The illness usually lasts four to seven days, and most people recover without treatment. However, in some persons, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the health department at 743-2355.”