Hamilton outlines reopening conditions for Stoney Creek restaurant as salmonella cases rise

Hamilton Public Health has outlined conditions for a Stoney Creek restaurant to reopen even as confirmed salmonella cases linked to the pub continue to climb.

The agency reports as of Tuesday that there have been 23 confirmed cases of salmonellosis linked to the outbreak.

They say there have been eight hospitalizations associated with the outbreak, and cases may change as the investigation continues.

Piper Arms at 1786 Stone Church Rd. East has been temporarily closed since April 13 as a result of the outbreak.

Officials say no specific food item has been confirmed as the source of the illness at this time.

Hamilton Public Health says they are working with the restaurant for its safe reopening, and identified two conditions the pub must fulfill first.

READ MORE: Officials confirm 20 salmonella cases linked to Stoney Creek restaurant

The restaurant operator is required to complete a facility-wide cleaning and sanitizing of the premises — including all food contact surfaces, equipment, utensils and any areas where cross contamination could occur.

All cleaning and sanitizing must be completed to the satisfaction of Hamilton Public Health.

The operator and the staff of the Piper Arms must complete additional food handler safety education provided by Hamilton Public Health.

The agency says the education will reinforce safe food handling practices, including temperature control, prevention of cross-contamination and proper hand hygiene.

Once the conditions are met, a re-inspection of the premises will be conducted to verify all food safety requirements have been met, to safely re-open to the public.

WATCH MORE: Upper Stoney Creek restaurant closed after nine people infected with salmonella