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After cleaning, restaurant tied to outbreak is reopened
Salmonella outbreak eases; Plain Nuts staff get training from Health Department
Plain Nuts
Plain Nuts Catering & Deli, at 1136 Monticello St. SW in downtown Covington, reopens Tuesday morning, May 29, 2018. - photo by David Clemons

COVINGTON, Ga. — A restaurant tied to an outbreak of salmonella has reopened after extensive cleaning.

Staff members of Plain Nuts Catering & Deli told The Covington News the restaurant would be back open Tuesday after being closed for cleaning.

The restaurant at 1136 Monticello St. SW in downtown Covington was linked to an outbreak investigated by the Gwinnett, Newton and Rockdale County Health Department.

The Health Department reported it first received a report of salmonella on May 4 due to illness among attendees at a closed, invitation-only event catered by Plain Nuts in Newton County on April 28.

During the Health Department’s investigation, additional cases of gastrointestinal illness including one confirmed case of salmonella were reported among people who did not attend the April event but had consumed food prepared by the same caterer.

On May 15, illnesses including one confirmed case of salmonella were reported among people who attended a May 9 event in Social Circle. A survey by the Health Department revealed food prepared by Plain Nuts was a “potential source of exposure,” according to public information officer Summer Nix.

At the time, Nix said the restaurant “has been fully cooperative with all Health Department requests and has provided all requested information.” Nix said staff members of the restaurant received additional on-site training and screening.

The restaurant also got the recommended “full enhanced cleaning” before reopening.