Update, Aug. 31 at 2:35 p.m.: Delight Restaurant & BBQ is being reinspected today and if successful will be permitted to reopen, York Region said.
The restaurant has continued to cooperate with the region, Dr. Barry Pakes said. He maintained that at this point in the investigation there doesn't appear to be a "significant risk" to the public.
He also said public health is working with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the Ministry of Health to make sure the alleged product, aconite, is not available at any other food establishments or grocery stores.
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Aconite is suspected as the toxin linked to cases of serious illness in individuals who ate food from Delight Restaurant & BBQ in Markham.
Dr. Barry Pakes, York Region medical officer of health, said there have been "reports of several individuals becoming seriously ill following a meal at a restaurant in the City of Markham."
He said aconite is derived from plants and plant roots that contain toxic alkaloids and can cause severe illness. When aconite is used in herbal medicine, it is typically prepared in a way that removes toxins.
York Region has not yet received laboratory confirmation that aconite was involved in this case, which has resulted in 12 illnesses.
"To date, York Region Public Health is aware of 12 individuals who experienced symptoms after consuming food from the restaurant on the evening of Sunday, Aug. 28, 2022; most of these individuals have recovered and are no longer in hospital; several remain severely ill in hospital, but their condition is improving," Pakes said.
Symptoms include numbness or tingling of the tongue or limbs, diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, headache, and irregular or rapid heartbeat.
Delight Restaurant & BBQ, which is located at 1250 Castlemore Ave. unit 4, was closed immediately after the investigation was launched.
"The restaurant remains closed and the investigation is ongoing. The restaurant is also cooperating with the investigation," Pakes said.
Anyone who ate food, either dine-in, takeout, or delivery from the restaurant on Aug. 27 or 28 and is feeling unwell is asked to seek medical attention. You are also advised to throw out any leftovers or takeout from there, however, Pakes said "at this point in the investigation, there does not appear to be a significant risk to the public."
Individuals can also contact Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653 from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to report their symptoms.
The region said it would provide updates as more information becomes available. Samples taken from the restaurant are currently being tested to confirm the cause of the illness and results are expected later this week.
