Popular Colorado Restaurant, The Fort, Linked to Recent Salmonella Outbreak

The Fort, a renowned Morrison Colorado restaurant well-known for the early west dishes it serves, is thought to be the source of a recent outbreak of salmonella which left 28 people sickened after eating at the restaurant between the dates of July 10 and July 16.  This prominent restaurant is where President Bill Clinton and Russian President Boris Yeltsin have dined, and is built to resemble an 1800s fort.  Eight cases of salmonella food poisoning have been confirmed so far, and 20 people are listed as likely to have become ill with the bacteria.

Eggs are believed to be the source of the salmonella, as many of those who became ill had eaten a rattlesnake cake dish, which is an exotic dish which includes the eggs that are thought to be tainted.  The investigation is being linked to undercooked eggs, and the Jefferson County Public Health Department is investigating.

The dish was immediately removed from the menu, and the Fort issued a statement expressing their deepest sympathy to those customers who were affected, and saying that they hold the highest standards and consider customers who patronize their restaurant as they would a guest in their home.  The Fort is working closely with the Jefferson County Health Department in this investigation, and is abiding by all recommendations in order to make the preparation of their dishes as safe as possible.  Nancy Braden, spokeswoman for the department, said no public warnings were issued nor was The Fort closed because investigators were able to track down patrons of the restaurant and identify the source of the salmonella, which was removed.

Samples have been sent to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to determine if the strain of salmonella located at the restaurant is linked to outbreaks in any other areas of the country.

Symptoms of salmonella food poisoning include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea and occasional fever.  Most healthy people experience only mild symptoms lasting for a few days, but serious complications can develop in certain individuals including young children, those with a compromised immune system, and the elderly.  Seek the advice of your doctor if you become ill after eating foods that are possibly tainted with salmonella bacteria.