Update – Illness at Barrhaven Day Camp August 22, 2014  On July 31, 2014, Ottawa Public Health (OPH) investigated a reported illness of 19 children and eight adults at a day camp in Barrhaven to determine the source and to prevent any further spread of illness. Symptoms of illness included upset stomach, dizziness and vomiting. Six children were transported and treated at CHEO and released the same day.  Between July 31 and August 1, OPH inspectors conducted inspections of three food premises that provided food for the camp that week and collected food samples at the camp. Two of the three food premises were found to be in compliance with food safety regulations at the time of the inspections.  The third food premise inspected on July 31 was found to be not in compliance with food safety regulations. As part of its investigation, OPH collected food samples from this food premise and conducted a subsequent inspection at the food premise on August 1, including a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) audit to determine the risk associated with the products prepared at the restaurant.  The OPH investigation included interviews with more than 90 people. Based on those interviews, it was determined that 44 people became ill related to this incident. All of the people who became ill had eaten a fried rice dish prepared by a food premise on July 31.  Public health lab results from the food samples have found that Bacillus cereus was detected in the rice and the noodle dishes prepared by the food premise. Bacillus cereus is a type of bacteria that produces toxins resulting in gastroenteritis, characterized diarrhea, nausea or vomiting.  Although this type of bacteria was found in both the rice and the noodle dishes prepared, the bacteria in the rice dish was at a level consistent with levels known to cause food borne illness.  OPH has issued two fines to the owner of Lotus Chinese Food Takeout, Unit 5-3780 Fallowfield Road, Ottawa, under the provincial Health Promotion and Protection Act for operating a food premise maintained in a manner permitting a health hazard and operating a food premise maintained adversely affecting sanitary conditions. Upon conviction, the infractions carry a maximum total penalty of $600.  OPH is committed to protecting the health of Ottawa residents and visitors through our food safety program. The goal of the food safety program is to improve food safety standards and reduce the risk of food borne illness. OPH inspectors conduct more than 14,000 inspections per year at food establishments, both on a routine and complaint related basis. Reports are posted online shortly after the inspection and include any deficiencies found at the establishment. ottawa.ca/health ottawa.ca/sante 613-580-6744 TTY/ATS : 613-580-9656