York Region Public Health has permanently closed Go With the Wind after an outbreak of people reporting severe symptoms related to food poisoning.
At least 11 people are now sick after eating food from a Georgina home-based business that was closed by York Region Public Health last month.
Public health inspectors ordered the permanent closure of Go With the Wind on May 24 after receiving complaints of illness from people who had dined at the restaurant.
“On May 19th and 20th, 2024, two groups of people became ill with food poisoning after eating at Go With the Wind, located at 3526 Pollock Road in the Town of Georgina,” said Doriana Simone, health protection manager with York Region Public Health.
Simone said the investigation was ongoing and that they had so far been in contact with 11 people exhibiting a range of symptoms.
“Most people experienced a range of symptoms including vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain or cramps, diarrhea, bloody stool, fever, body aches, chills, headache, loss of appetite and fatigue,” Simone said.
The establishment was forced to close on May 24 due to operating in a way that posed a health hazard and due to an inadequate supply of drinking water to areas where food was served, according to a public health inspection report.
The report lists non-compliances, including failure to provide an adequate supply of drinking water, failure to obtain food from inspected sources, and inadequate food contact surfaces and cleaning and sanitizing equipment.
“The business did not notify York Region Public Health of its intention to open,” Simone said. “York Region Public Health worked with the Town of Georgina bylaw officer to inform the business that they could not open.”
Health inspectors took food and water samples for further testing and issued a verbal order ordering the immediate closure of the facility, she said.
“At this time, investigations are ongoing to ensure all potential causes of illness are identified and any potential health risks are mitigated,” Simone said.
