If You or Anyone You Know Has Been Affected by the Recent E. coli Outbreak at Carbon Live Fire, STOP Foodborne Illness Wants to Hear from You

    CHICAGO, IL, July 21, 2016 /24-7PressRelease/ -- An outbreak of E. coli at Carbon Live Fire Mexican Grill in Bridgeport, Illinois has caused at least 65 people to become ill, 20 of whom were hospitalized. STOP Foodborne Illness, the national nonprofit public health organization dedicated to the prevention of illness and death from foodborne pathogens by advocating for sound public policy, building public awareness, and assisting those impacted by foodborne illness, urges those who have been affected by this recent E. coli outbreak in Bridgeport to share your story. Share your experience and make a difference.

The Stories page on STOP Foodborne Illness' website is dedicated to those who have been impacted by foodborne illness-whose stories are life-changing and eye-opening. Using their powerful voices, many of our advocates share their foodborne illness experience when speaking opportunities arise across the country. In addition to presentations about food safety, our advocates offer many kinds of support to others who are facing the devastating effects of foodborne disease.

Regarding the Carbon Live Fire Mexican Grill outbreak:

- The first victim sued Carbon, saying that on June 24 she received chicken and vegetarian quesadillas from its Bridgeport location. According to her lawsuit filed by Chicago lawyer Brian Salvi, she got sick June 28 and was hospitalized two days later due to stomach pain, diarrhea, bloody stools and vomiting.

- On July 5, a second victim sued the Bridgeport restaurant after she became ill four days following the consumption of three chicken tacos there. At the time, Chicago health officials said the E. coli outbreak affected at least 25 customers and sent at least five to the hospital.

- After an inspection on July 9, the health department "determined that the restaurant was safe, clean and able to meet all requirements for a safe reopening." As of that day, 54 people had been identified as contracting Shiga toxin-producing E. coli from the outbreak, the department said. Since then, a total of 65 people have contracted E. coli from the outbreak.

Published Stories regarding the E. coli Outbreak at Carbon Live Mexican Grill:

- Chicago Tribune
- Food Poisoning Bulletin
- DNA Info
- Chicago Eater

About STOP Foodborne Illness
STOP Foodborne Illness (STOP) is a national, nonprofit, public health organization dedicated to preventing illness and death from foodborne pathogens. STOP achieves its mission by advocating for sound public policies, building public awareness and assisting those impacted by foodborne illness. www.stopfoodborneillness.org. Subscribe to STOP news here: http://www.newsline360.com/stopfoodborneillness.

STOP Foodborne Illness is holding its first annual benefit 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 10 in the tap room of Dovetail Brewery, at 1800 W. Belle Plaine (at N. Ravenswood) in Chicago. Dovetail Brewery has earned nationwide accolades for its authentic German and Belgian-style beers. An $85 donation includes Dovetail's sublime beer accompanied by light appetizers and live jazz. People interested in supporting the organization and learning more about it are encouraged to attend. Register at Eventbrite here: http://www.stopfoodborneillness.org/stop-at-dovetail_8-10-2016/

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