SALT LAKE CITY -- More than a dozen people fell ill over the weekend after eating at a Jimmy John's restaurant in Salt Lake City, according to the Salt Lake County Health Department.
Tuesday, health inspectors shut down the eatery at 600 East 400 South. The closure, according to a department report, was "in response to a foodborne illness outbreak."
Multiple people suffered a gastrointestinal illness, however, the exact cause is unknown. An epidemiologist will test samples to better determine what happened, but it could be several months before they get any results. Even then, it's difficult to pinpoint an exact root of the problem.
Wednesday afternoon, the restaurant windows were covered up with cardboard. A sign on the door stated they were closed to improve customer service.
The franchise owner, Darin Orton, sent FOX 13 News a statement in response to requests for an interview.
He stated: "The health and safety of my customers and employees is a top priority and commitment I take seriously. At this time, we are cooperating fully with local health officials."
The restaurant must show it has addressed all health code violations in order to reopen, according to the health department.
The violations listed by inspectors include the following:
1. Food employees worked in the establishment while ill.
2. An employee did not wash hands when changing gloves.
3. An employee removed a loaf of bread from the pan with bare hands.
4. Fresh bread is being stored on the dirty dish drain board.
5. An employee beverage is stored next to establishment food in the walk in cooler.
6. The vent in the walk in cooler is not properly repaired to be easily cleanable.
7. Fan covers in the walk-in cooler are dirty.
8. Food equipment is not being air dried before being nested together.
9. The mop is not hung to air dry.
10. Bread sticks in the walk in freezer are not covered to prevent contamination.
11. Food is being stored on the floor.
