Durban - "There is no salmonella outbreak in KwaZulu-Natal."
This is according to MEC for Health in KwaZulu-Natal, Sibongiseni Dlomo.
He was addressing the media at a briefing at Truro House in Durban on Monday morning.
"We wish to categorically state that there is no outbreak of salmonella in the province. The matter has to do with poorly prepared food."
"We wish to categorically state that there is no outbreak of salmonella in the province. The matter has to do with poorly prepared food." Video: Chanelle Lutchman
Dlomo said based on the information obtained from the persons who became ill, and having considered the symptoms, incubation period, and type of meals consumed, it is most likely that this was due to salmonella which may have been present in the raw eggs used to make hollandaise sauce.
Last week The Mercury reported that at least 20 people were hospitalised with suspected salmonella food poisoning after eating at the popular Old Town Italy restaurant in Umhlanga at the weekend.
It is believed the restaurant's famous Hollandaise sauce - made from raw egg - is the source of the outbreak however the establishment owner said they are awaiting results from the lab to confirm.
Owner of Old Town Italy, Renzo Scribante told the paper that they have been in contact with the Department of Health to get to the bottom of the issue and have taken the necessary precautions.