In what began as a generous holiday gesture for the employees of Toyo Tire’s Georgia plant ended up in widespread illness. Local news outlets report that dozens of Toyo employees became ill from food-borne illness, later determined to be salmonella, after enjoying a companywide pre-Thanksgiving dinner, catered at the plant by a local bistro. An estimated 1,800 people were potentially exposed.
“The health and safety of our employees is our highest priority,” said Toyo in a released statement. “We are cooperating fully with health authorities as we seek to determine the cause of these illnesses.”
More than 40 people were treated in the emergency room at Cartersville Medical Center for symptoms including nausea, fever, vomiting and diarrhea. Five people were hospitalized. The local health department is investigating the caterer for food preparation and handling practices. They are also investigating to see if there were other sources of food at the event.
According to reports, the illness generally runs its course over four to seven days, but in extreme cases the diarrhea and resulting dehydration can lead to hospitalization.
