At least 11 people are sick after eating food from a home-based business in Georgina that was shut down by York Region Public Health last month.
Public health inspectors ordered a permanent closure of Go with the Wind on May 24 after receiving complaints of illness from individuals who had eaten there.
“Two groups of individuals experienced food-borne illness after consuming food at Go with the Wind located at 3526 Pollock Rd. in the Town of Georgina on May 19 and May 20, 2024,” said Dorianna Simone, manager of health protection at York Region Public Health.
The investigation is ongoing, Simone said, with 11 people to date contacted who are experiencing a range of symptoms.
“Most of whom experienced variable symptoms, including vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain/cramps, diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, fever, body ache, chills, headache, loss of appetite and fatigue,” said Simone.
According to a public health inspection report, the establishment was forced to close on May 24 for operating in a manner permitting a health hazard and having an inadequate supply of potable water for the food premise.
The report notes a list of non-compliance items that includes failure to provide an adequate supply of potable water, failure to obtain food from an inspected source, and improper food contact surfaces and equipment for cleaning and sanitizing.
“The operator failed to notify York Region Public Health of their intention to operate,” said Simone. “York Region Public Health worked with Town of Georgina bylaw officers who informed the business owner they could not operate.”
Health inspectors extracted food and water samples for further testing, issued a verbal order, and mandated the establishment close immediately, she said.
“At this time, the investigation remains ongoing to ensure all potential sources of illness have been identified, and any potential health hazards are mitigated,” said Simone.
