CNE food stand under investigation as 34 patrons fall ill
Hazardous to your health? CNE has shut down its cronut stand pending investigation (photo credit: EPIC Burgers and Waffles Facebook)
theweathernetwork.com
Wednesday, August 21, 2013, 2:46 PM -
The Canadian National Exhibition and its annual pursuit of pushing the envelope by offering the most outrageous foods one can stomach may have backfired.
The Ex, as it is known, shut down the EPIC Burgers food stand after receiving numerous complaints from patrons who claimed to have fallen ill. All had reportedly eaten one of EPIC's cronut burgers earlier in the day.
According to the Toronto Star, health inspectors and paramedics were called to the scene to assess 12 people with severe gastrointestinal problems Tuesday evening.
Five people were taken to the hospital.
Officials are aware of at least 34 people falling ill after eating food at the CNE this year.
The cronut burger was being touted as one of the "headlining acts" at this year's CNE. The half-croissant, half-donut concoction is stuffed with a meat patty and cheese and topped with sugar and maple bacon jam. It's a joint creation between EPIC Burgers and Waffles and Toronto's pastry shop Le Dolci.
Officials arrived at EPIC Burgers Wednesday morning and took food samples, which have been sent to a lab.
Test results are expected in 48 to 72 hours.
Until then, officials are keeping mum on the potential cause of the food poisoning, despite social media reports pointing the finger at the cronut.
"We have not identified any particular food source as being involved," Dr. Lisa Berger of Toronto Public Health told canada.com.
If EPIC Burgers passes the inspection, all food on-site will be removed and the cronut stand will have the green light to reopen.
Founded in 1879, the Canadian National Exhibition draws in about one million people every year with its displays, food and entertainment.
In addition to all the food and fun, the festival became EcoLogo certified in 2010. It also claims it's the 'Greenest Fair in North America.'
