TORONTO — Toronto Public Health has linked the Canadian National Exhibition’s (CNE) Cronut Burger — a beef patty sandwiched between a doughnut/croissant hybrid — to 100 illnesses reported last week.
“The cronut burger was the only food that was common to the people who became ill, and laboratory tests have identified the Staphylococcus aureus toxin in samples of the cronut burger,” said Dr. David McKeown, Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health as quoted by CTV News, late last week.
“In the time that we’ve been operating at the CNE we have had a clean bill of health, and all our staff have been fully trained in food safety. We buy our products from only the top suppliers, and we’ve never had any issues in the past, nor do we wish to have any in the future. We take health and safety very seriously. It’s very important to us that our food is not only enjoyed but also trusted. Our customers, our staff and our families eat here daily. We will await results and further information from Toronto Public Health before we re-open our operation. We have voluntarily closed, and are co-operating fully with all parties involved,” reads a statement posted on Epic Burgers and Waffles official Facebook Page.
Toronto Public Health has noted that there is no indication other food at the CNE was associated with the outbreak. Meanwhile, the food outlet in question is still closed, as owners await a green light from the city.
