Salmonella report released

POLSON - Last week the Lake County Leader ran a short brief on a salmonella report issued by the Lake County Health Department. The brief reported an outbreak of 15 cases of salmonella linked to an eating establishment in Lake County. The name of the restaurant was not disclosed in the original release.

The Lake County Health Department confirmed the restaurant was The Dinnerbell Bakery and Banquets at St. Ignatius. The restaurant was given a cease and desist order Aug. 6, 2004. The order stated the establishment had been implicated in an outbreak of Salmonella Type B.

The inspection concluded three potential conditions that could be the source of the Salmonella infections. The three conditions in a letter dated Sept. 1 from Lake County Environmental Health to owner Glen and Pollyanna Hochstetler were:

1. A well seal that is not in a tight, sanitary condition allowing insects, particularly yellow jackets, to enter the well casing. With yellow jackets being associated with meat attraction, it may be possible the insects are carrying the disease to the water system.

2. A cross-connection to the watering system for the chicken coop was found that could back-siphon contaminated water into the potable water system.

3. The ultraviolet light disinfection on the water system was not functioning.

The Dinnerbell was ordered to cease all preparation and service of food for the public until all upgrades recommended by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) are met.

The restaurant is currently closed to the public. The file for the establishment is public record and is available to anyone in its entirety according to health officials.

Salmonella is a type of food poisoning characterized by a sudden onset of gastroenteritis involving abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, nausea, and vomiting. A variety of foods, such as sweets, meats, sausages, and eggs, can be the mode of infection.

Pollyanna Hochstetler owner of Dinnerbell, said they've licensed an engineer to do the repairs. "As far as we knew everything was perfect," said Hochstetler. "We were devastated when all this happened. Once the health department came out we realized the food and all was fine, but we concluded it had to be the water. The water filter was not working as well and it was unknown to us. We felt so bad, we couldn't put it to words, our whole desire is to serve the best of food, so it was a real blow for us."

The Dinnerbell is scheduled to open around the first of October.