November 17, 2004 * Health and Social Services [to Nov 2005]Staphylococcal bacteria have been found in significantly high numbers in potato salad served in a fund-raising dinner in Georgetown last Saturday, Chief Health Officer Lamont Sweet announced today. A total of 39 people reported becoming ill after eating food from the cold plate, which was sold throughout the community. Two people were admitted to hospital on the weekend; their conditions are improving, Dr. Sweet noted. Staphylococcal bacteria are commonly found on human skin and can contaminate food during preparation. “In addition, it is likely that this incident of food poisoning occurred after the potato salad was not kept at a sufficiently low temperature,” Dr. Sweet said. In order to avoid similar incidents occurring again, Dr. Sweet strongly advises that anyone planning to prepare food, whether for fund-raising purposes or for profit, should take a food handling course in order to ensure that food is prepared properly and handled safely. For more information regarding the safe handling and preparation of food, contact Environmental Health at 368-4970.Media Contact: Sara Underwood