Officials say the restaurant is cooperating with local health departments and is testing employees.
Seven people who have contracted a form of salmonella in Northeastern Illinois reportedly ate at Portillo’s in St. Charles during April, according to Kane County Health officials.
The Kane County Health Department is working with state and other local health agencies regarding a recent and rare outbreak of Salmonella ser. Typhimurium in this region of Illinois.
Management of Portillo’s is cooperating with health officials in the investigation, according to information released by the Kane County department Tuesday night.
"We are cooperating fully with the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Kane County Health Department to protect the health and safety of our employees and customers," according to a statement released by Portillo's corporate office Tuesday night. "We have completely sanitized the store and all employees will be tested and will return to work only after they’ve received a clean bill of health."
Ten cases of the particular strain of salmonella—all a generic match—have been found in the last two weeks, according to officials. That pattern is rare in Illinois and cases in other states also have been identified. At least two additional cases of salmonella are pending generic results.
The restaurant reportedly was sanitized Monday night and all food handlers are being tested for infection. Each food handler will need to provide two samples for testing before being able to return to work. The restaurant remains in operation.
"Portillo’s takes deep pride in our entire operation and we are committed to maintaining the utmost standards in food safety," according to Portillo's statement. "Over the years, we have served as a leader for food sanitation, safety and cleanliness."
Those infected with salmonella develop symptoms that likely can include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness can last up to seven days and most people will recover without treatment.
Anyone with these symptoms is asked to see a physician.
Kyla Keime
9:22 pm on Tuesday, May 10, 2011
I ate there on Friday, April 29th. I had a chopped salad and onion rings - you must counter act the salad with o rings, right? On Sunday, May 1st, I truly never felt worse in my life. I chalked all of my symptoms up to post half marathon stress. Exactly 7 days after the onset of my symptoms I finally turned a corner. Now I wish I would have visited the Dr.
I love Portillo's and will return there as a regular customer, but I really don't think it's a coincidence that I was ill after I ate there. Just my two cents.
MaryfromIL
11:22 pm on Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Portillo's elsewhere game me a menu as I waited in the car line. They took the order from the menu. When I looked at the sales receipt as I drove away, I realized they had charged me more than the cost on the menu. I doubled back, and the cashier said that the menu says prices subject to change or something like that. My response was, "I didn't expect the price to change in the 3 minutes I was in line".
I then called headquarters, they just repeated what it said on the menu. When I mentioned the store said the menu was old, customer service said that they had to use up the old ones first. I had expected they would have said, "Oh we better get rid of the out of date ones".
"Perfect customer service", aza? I worked 2nd level support for a retailer, my head would have been on the block with the customer service I got from this company.
aza
12:46 am on Wednesday, May 11, 2011
I am sorry to hear two of you had bad experiences at Portillos, both reporting here. I wonder how many with raves for Portillos have not written here. And I will not deny your individual experiences.
Using 'used past tense' is a poor corporate excuse agenda(menu), if used that way.
It is difficult for me to believe the fast food business economy is so bad off in my hometown that 'scraps' are given the customer. Maybe the locale has changed for the worse since my last two year visit routine in December of 2009. Should I dread coming home this winter? Where would I get a quick spoil-full lunch on the run, minus any spoil of my intestines?
Devon Vida
10:41 am on Wednesday, May 11, 2011
I am a huge fan of Portillo's! My family eats there about twice a month. I've never had any issues with their food, so I didn't think to look at them when we were ill near the end of April. I had originally assumed it was a stomach bug going around at school. But, I checked my bank statement this morning, and wouldn't you know it?!? 48 hours after we ate there my son missed two days of school and the rest of the house was feeling it too. I hate having to run to the doctor for every little illness, but this just proves that even something that seems somewhat normal could be a serious problem. It doesn't change how I feel about Portillo's, but I won't be eating there for at least another few weeks, which kind of stinks because their chopped salad is incredible.
Kyla Keime
12:37 pm on Wednesday, May 11, 2011
I loved thier Chopped Salad, but I agree that it's probably best to avoid the place for a while. I did send an email to the Kane County Health Dept. letting them know about my symptoms and when I was ill. I don't know if it will help though...I did not go to the Dr. for an official diagnosis.
David Moore
10:40 am on Friday, November 23, 2012
I ate a chopped salad and a drank a glass of water at Portillo's on Wednesday Nov 21 at around 5PM. Early the next morning (Thanksgiving Day) I developed severe abdominal cramps followed by fever and diarrhea. Needless to say, my Thanksgiving Plans were ruined. Two days later I continue to have diarrhea but feel much better. I am convinced it was the chopped salad. I have always enjoyed Portillo's for both their service and food, however, I will remember to keep the chopped salad off my menu.