Food-Borne Outbreak Linked To Church Allowed To Serve Holiday Dinner Without Permit
Three people were killed and at least 17 were sickened by the illness.
East Bay Times:
More Illnesses Tied To Antioch Thanksgiving Meal
At least 17 people were sickened in the outbreak of a foodborne illness that apparently killed three in East Contra Costa County, authorities said Tuesday, as evidence mounted that the cause was a church-sponsored Thanksgiving dinner in which much of the food was prepared in homes. A day after saying that a county health permit was not required for the community dinner that served more than 800 people at the American Legion Hall in Antioch, Contra Costa County health officials said Tuesday they will now investigate whether a permit should be required of Brentwood’s Golden Hills Community Church next year, if the dinner continues. Such a permit would subject its serving facilities to a county health inspection and require that no food be served that was prepared in private homes or from unlicensed facilities. (Davis, 11/29)
In other news from around California —
East Bay Times:
Toxic Mushroom Dangers Pop Up With Rains In Bay Area
Early rains are sprouting a bumper crop of toxic wild mushrooms in Bay Area parks and open spaces. The East Bay Regional Park District issued a public warning Tuesday that visitors not collect mushrooms or let dogs or children near the fungi. The district already bans collection of any plants from its 65 regional parks, but it is urging people to take extra care with mushrooms this season, said Carolyn Jones, a park district spokeswoman. (Cuff, 11/29)