The tranquility of Calgary’s dining scene has been shattered as health officials confirm a growing E. coli outbreak linked to a popular local restaurant, with the case count climbing steadily since investigations began last week. What initially appeared as isolated incidents has rapidly evolved into one of the city’s most significant foodborne illness events in recent years.
Alberta Health Services (AHS) officials revealed yesterday that at least 32 people have fallen ill after dining at Abruzzo Italian Restaurant in northeast Calgary, a beloved establishment known for its authentic cuisine and warm hospitality. The restaurant has voluntarily closed its doors while investigators work to pinpoint the exact source of contamination.
“We’re seeing a concerning pattern of symptoms consistent with E. coli O157:H7 infection,” said Dr. Marcia Davidson, AHS Medical Officer of Health for the Calgary Zone. “Most patients reported dining at Abruzzo between June 5 and June 15, which has helped us narrow our investigation timeline.”
The outbreak has sent at least seven people to hospital with severe symptoms including bloody diarrhea, intense abdominal cramping, and vomiting. Two patients have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a potentially life-threatening complication that can cause kidney failure, particularly in children and elderly individuals.
Laboratory analysis has confirmed the presence of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli in samples collected from affected patients and the restaurant premises. Health inspectors discovered several critical food safety violations during their initial assessment, including improper food storage temperatures and potential cross-contamination between raw and ready-to-eat ingredients.
Restaurant owner Marco Salvatori expressed devastation over the outbreak. “We’ve been serving the Calgary community for over 15 years without incident,” Salvatori told reporters. “Our hearts go out to everyone affected, and we’re cooperating fully with health authorities to resolve this situation immediately.”
This outbreak follows concerning trends seen across Canada News in recent months, with foodborne illness incidents increasing approximately 12% compared to previous years, according to data from the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Food safety experts emphasize that E. coli O157:H7 is particularly dangerous because it produces toxins that can cause severe damage to the intestinal lining. “The infectious dose is incredibly small—as few as 10 organisms can cause illness,” explained Dr. Sylvia Martinez, microbiologist at the University of Calgary. “This makes prevention absolutely critical in restaurant settings.”
AHS has established a dedicated hotline for individuals who dined at Abruzzo during the risk period and are experiencing symptoms. Health officials are also conducting trace-back investigations to determine if contaminated ingredients may have been distributed to other CO24 Business establishments in the region.
Calgary Mayor Janet Henderson addressed community concerns at yesterday’s press conference: “Our city takes food safety extremely seriously. While this situation is alarming, I want to assure residents that our health authorities are working tirelessly to contain this outbreak and prevent further illness.”
The economic impact on Calgary’s restaurant industry could be substantial, with industry analysts noting that high-profile outbreaks typically result in decreased dining confidence across the sector. The Calgary Restaurant Association has urged members to review their food safety protocols as a precautionary measure.
As investigations continue, health officials remind the public about essential food safety practices, including thorough handwashing, proper cooking temperatures for ground beef products, and avoiding cross-contamination between raw meat and ready-to-eat foods.
With summer festivals and gatherings approaching, this outbreak raises important questions about our collective food safety systems: How can we strengthen preventative measures while maintaining the vibrant culinary culture that defines our communities?
