E. Coli Cases May Be Tied To Portillo's In Glendale Heights: IDPH

GLENDALE HEIGHTS, IL — At least four people have been treated for E. coli bacteria symptoms after an outbreak that may be linked to a Portillo's in Glendale Heights, according to Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).

On Friday, IDPH released an alert reporting four cases that indicated a toxin that produces the E. coli bacteria, according to Chicago Tribune. One case resulted in a blood syndrome, IDPH said, adding that the cases were tied to customers who dined at Portillo's located at 235 E. North Ave., Glendale Heights.

The customers who became ill ate at the above Portillo's location on July 16 and July 17, Daily Herald reports.

Portillo's spokesperson Sara Wirth shared the following statement with Patch Monday,

“The health and safety of our team members and guests is our top priority. Across Portillo’s, we have extensive sanitary and food handling guidelines in place, including daily deep cleanings of all restaurants. We were notified by the Health Department of a possible issue relating to four guests who ate at the Glendale Heights location in mid-July. Once notified, we moved quickly and began assisting with the investigation and revisiting our food safety best practices with our team members to mitigate potential future risk. We have set up a toll-free number – 877-394-4150 – to answer any guest questions or concerns.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, E. coli is a "large and diverse group of bacteria" that can cause such symptoms as diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps and fever.