FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 2, 2008
Possible foodborne illness associated with Tega Cay barbecue fundraiser
COLUMBIA – People who purchased barbeque at the Tega Cay Volunteer Fire Department’s fundraiser on March 30, should immediately throw the food away because of potential contamination, the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control announced today.
“DHEC’s York County Public Health Department has identified more than 40 people who became ill after eating food purchased at the Tega Cay Volunteer Fire Department’s fundraiser on March 30,” said Connie Marin of DHEC’s Region 3, which includes York County. “Firefighters sold approximately 3,000 servings of food, and many people bought barbeque in bulk for freezing and later use.”
Marin said North Carolina residents might have purchased some of the food as well.
“All of the people who became ill are reporting the same symptoms, mainly diarrhea and stomach cramps,” Marin said. “Tests are under way to identify the cause of the illness. While not conclusive, this fundraiser is one thing in common among the people who got sick. As a precaution, we are urging residents to immediately discard any food purchased at this fundraiser.”
For more information, call DHEC’s Region 3 Public Health office at (803) 909-7300.
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For more information:
Adam Myrick – (803) 898-3884
E-mail – myrickar@dhec.sc.gov
MNR0195