Public health officials are taking a close look at a Tinley Park Jewel-Osco grocery store after nine people showed symptoms of salmonella poisoning this week.
Based on questionnaires sent to the victims, the Cook County Health Department focused its investigation on the deli at the Jewel store at 171st Street and Harlem Avenue.
Results from six of the nine individuals have yet to come in, but three of the people were positively linked to each other.
The deli was shut down on Wednesday, the food and the staff replaced, and reopened.
Officials say it's rare to pinpoint a specific food as the source of salmonella, and it's more likely to be passed along by a food handler passed it along.
Workers at the Jewel must submit stool samples to help health officials determine if an employee started the outbreak.
A Jewel spokeswoman issued a statement saying the well-being of its customers is their "highest priority," and that the deli was temporarily closed out of an "abundance of caution."
"We worked closely with the health department to ensure that our team removed and replaced all necessary product, and cleaned and sanitized all work surfaces, utensils and storage cases. The Service Deli was back open for business the same day by 4 p.m. If a customer has purchased food from our Tinley Park Service Deli and would like to return it for a replacement or refund, they may visit any Jewel-Osco store for assistance. If any customer has any health concerns, they should contact their health care provider immediately." -- Jewel Communications Manager Allison Sperling
