Dunkin’ Donuts’ Plumbing Problem Reportedly Leaves 12 People Sick


Six employees and six of their family members have suffereAll Postsd from a gastrointestinal illness since the January 31, 2014 grand opening of the Dunkin’ Donuts in Monroe, North Carolina. Health officials are also concerned that other individuals may have contracted the stomach bug after visiting the new store.

Now, union officials are investigating the cause of the illness, and all signs are leading to a plumbing problems in the restaurant. Authorities are claiming that there were missteps in reporting the issue that eventually led to store workers, their relatives, and possibly customers falling ill.

While these illnesses often occur during the time frame of the store opening due to the winter weather, officials are still trying to determine if the plumbing ultimately led to the sickness, or if it was just a coincidental seasonal bug.

“There are a number of gastrointestinal illnesses that are frequent in the winter time anyway, so we need to make sure what’s associated and what’s not,” said the Union County Department of Human Services Executive Director Richard Matens. “Department of Public Health employees in Monroe are collecting detailed information from callers to determine if the pattern and onset of illness coincides with the investigation of Dunkin’ Donuts.”

The company released a statement via spokesperson Michelle King stating that they have taken all precautionary actions to rectify the situation. They have also had the restaurant thoroughly cleaned and inspected to make sure everything is up to par.

“Dunkin’ Donuts has very stringent food safety and operational standards. We are aware there was a plumbing issue at the Monroe restaurant on January 31st, and the franchise owner took the required and necessary steps to clean and sanitize the restaurant properly. As an added precaution, the franchisee has arranged for an outside cleaning company to conduct an additional cleaning and sanitation. While we cannot confirm the cause of their illnesses, the few employees who exhibited any symptoms three weeks after the incident were told to leave the establishment. Dunkin’ Donuts has a strict policy to send any sick employees home immediately upon notification.”

The twelve affected individuals reported stomach symptoms that included diarrhea, abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. It was reported that none of the symptoms were life-threatening.

The county officials are urging all customers who visited the restaurant since the opening to contact their medical provider if they start experiencing any of these symptoms. They are also asking that the customers contact the Division of Public Health at 704-296-4813. There are currently three workers from the Union County health department who are devoted to answering these calls.

[photo credit: Kodamakitty via photopin cc]

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