Santa Clarita Restaurant Shut Down by Health Department Amid Reported Hospitalizations

SANTA CLARITA, Calif., Sept. 19 (KNN) — A Santa Clarita restaurant was shut down by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health after several patrons began experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms, the department confirmed. Several people reported online being hospitalized.

The restaurant, Madre Oaxacan Restaurant, which is normally open until 10 p.m., was closed with posted closure notices from both the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and employees.

An emailed statement from LADPH states: “On Tuesday, September 17th, The Department of Public Health, Environmental Health Division received several reports of people experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms after consuming food at Madre Oaxacan Restaurant located at 27007 McBean Parkway, Valencia. The Department’s Outbreak Investigation and Evaluation Unit is investigating.”

More than 25 people posted to the restaurant’s Yelp page over the last few days reporting severe cramping and illness as well as canceled trips and hospitalizations.

The restaurant’s owner posted a statement via the local SCV Incidents social media account stating: “First of all we closed because its an outbreak and we do not know the source.
Health department has confirmed 4 cases of salmonella and not 100 or close to
100. That’s false information.

“Health department closed us down not because we did something wrong with the food or major violations. They closed us done because multiple calls.

“No food was discarded or disposed during inspection, temperatures were perfect and we even were told that the restaurant is very clean but we need to stop the outbreak and we were disinfecting all surfaces and areas of work before we open back.

“All employees are taking the test tomorrow because this was something that could have brought in by any person, worker or driver not necessarily food. We provided all food information to the inspector and he was happy with the data.

“We will wait for the tests tomorrow or Friday and open back when we are safe and also when health department investigates more if they can find the source of it.
I’m the one who called health department today when I receive proof of the first salmonella case. That’s the protocol as a restaurant owner.

“We did not get any calls or email until yesterday morning for the first time. We did not get any notification until yesterday.

“We are taking this very seriously and we feel sorry for what my guests are going through. I can assure that we have high standards of food safety and we have very responsible and outstanding food vendors and team members.

“Hope my customer recover soon and they are safe. This could happened to any business and unfortunately happened to us.”

Austin Dave, Video Journalist / KNN