Epic Burgers has released a statement following reports that close to 100 people fell ill eating a cronut burger purchased at their CNE booth.
The statement, released late Thursday afternoon, assures their customers of their problem-free history at the Canadian National Exhibition and of their co-operation with health inspectors.
"In the time we've been operating at the CNE we have had a clean bill of health and all our staff have been fully trained in food safety. We buy our products from only the top suppliers and we've never had any issues in the past, nor do we wish to have any in the future.
We take health and safety very seriously. It's very important to us that our food is not only enjoyed but also trusted. Our customers, our staff and our families eat here daily.
We wil await results and further information from Toronto Public Health before we re-open our operation. We have voluntarily closed and are co-operating fully with all parties involved.
We thank our loyal customers, friends and family for all of their support. We are a small business that aims to bring happy times, innovative and delicious food creations to all visitors of the CNE.
You can continue to drive requests regarding the investigation to Toronto Public Health.
We will send an update when we have furhter news and information to share."
Close to 100 people reported feeling ill after eating at the CNE this season, Toronto Public Health officials said earlier Thursday.
Health officials began taking note of the illnesses on Wednesday after dozens of people came forward reporting that they became violently ill after consuming a cronut burger – a meat patty sandwiched by a bun that’s a fusion between a croissant and a doughnut. Inside the burger is bacon jam, cheese, cinnamon and other options.
The cronut burger was advertised heavily by the CNE, an annual fair that has become known recently for its outrageous food concoctions.
On Wednesday morning, health officials told reporters that 12 people had approached paramedics at the CNE with gastrointestinal symptoms. By Wednesday afternoon, more than 30 people had contacted public health with their own personal experiences. On Thursday morning, Toronto Public Health said they are now investigating close to 100 reports.
Meanwhile Epic Burgers, the food vendor selling the cronut, has voluntarily closed down until health officials finish their investigation.
“Based on information to date, Toronto Public Health has concentrated our investigation around one food premise located at the CNE, however, all possible sources of illness are being investigated," said Dr. Lisa Berger, Associate Medical Officer of Health, in a press release Thursday. "Overall risk to the general public is low."
Berger said the same thing Wednesday during a press conference with reporters and fairgoers continued to flock to the CNE though there was light traffic in the food building, according to a CP24 reporter at the scene Thursday.
Right now, health officials are looking to speak with anyone who became sick after eating at the CNE between Aug. 16 and Aug. 20.
Food at the Epic Burgers stand was thrown out but not before several samples were cooked and taken to laboratories for testing. Those results are expected to come out in the next few days and until then, health officials are unable to confirm what caused so many people to fall ill, Berger said.
CNE officials said Toronto Public Health inspected 200 food vendors when the fair first opened, including Epic Burgers. Epic Burgers passed all inspections without any imposed conditions.
Symptoms that are normally associated with food poisoning can range from an upset stomach and diarrhea to fever, vomiting, stomach cramps and dehydration.
EMS told CP24 on Wednesday that a few people who fell ill at the CNE were taken to a hospital for treatment.
Anyone who experienced symptoms of illness after consuming food at the CNE is being asked to call Toronto Public Health at 311.
