Foodborne Illness Outbreak — Casual Dining Restaurant

Industry: Food Service / Restaurant

A 12-table casual dining restaurant had 23 diners become ill with Norovirus symptoms in a 3-day period. The county health department identified the restaurant as the source and ordered a 10-day closure. The outbreak was linked to an ill kitchen employee who worked while symptomatic.

Claim amount: $285,000

Outcome: The restaurant's GL policy (products/completed operations) covered the illness claims from 14 affected patrons. Settlement totaled $142,000 in medical expenses and lost wages. Business interruption covered the 10-day forced closure plus reduced patronage for 6 weeks: $95,000. Health department inspection and deep cleaning costs: $48,000. Total claim: $285,000.

Lesson: Sick employee policies — requiring staff to stay home when ill — are critical for foodborne illness risk management. Norovirus outbreaks traced to an ill food handler are one of the most preventable GL exposures in food service.