Source of E. coli outbreak in Reno identified

Investigation shifts to food manufacturer

RENO, NV – An E. coli 0157:H7 outbreak that sickened nearly two dozen people and prompted a popular south-Reno restaurant to voluntarily close has been linked to a dessert food manufactured, sold, and distributed by Reno Provisions according to Health District officials.

“Our epidemiologists and environmental health staff have identified a dessert that was prepared by Reno Provisions,” said Washoe County District Health Officer Kevin Dick. “Several people who ate at the Twisted Fork restaurant had the dessert, as did some other people outside the Reno area who then developed the E. coli infection. That commonality led investigators to the dessert supplier, and to tests of food and equipment at Reno Provisions,” Dick added.

Now that positive test results have identified a specific E. coli source, the Health District’s investigation has shifted focus from the restaurant to the manufacturer. The Health District confirms that all of the remaining desserts associated with the E. coli contaminations have been disposed of.

Since mid-October twenty-one confirmed and probable cases of E. coli 0157:H7 have been reported in Washoe County.  “The complete cooperation and engagement in the investigation that we received from Twisted Fork, and their decision to voluntarily close, were significant factors in identifying the E. coli source,” said Dick.