Five cases of E. coli O157:H7 in the Killeen, Texas, area have been traced to food served at a Jason’s Deli there in April, according to Bell County health officials.
In addition to five confirmed cases there are 11 probable cases, said Christine Mann, spokesman for the Texas Department of State Health Services.
Two were hospitalized.
A batch of guacamole made at the restaurant on April 13 and used as a sandwich spread was the probable source of the contamination, according to a Bell County Public Health District report obtained by local news media.
Contamination likely occurred onsite, perhaps during food preparation, according to the report. Bacteria were not spread through food distributed by Jason’s Deli Distributors or Deli Management Inc., it concluded.
Bell County health officials at first did not identify the restaurant, citing Texas laws meant to protect businesses and individuals under investigation, according to KXXV TV News Channel 25. Several Texas news outlets obtained the report after the broadcaster filed a request for it under the Freedom of Information Act.
The restaurant is at 3213 E. Central Texas Expressway in Killeen. A Jason’s Deli spokesperson did not return calls as of July 23.