SNHD Releases 11 Ingredients Targeted at Firefly

The Southern Nevada Health District continues its investigation into the source of the salmonella outbreak at Firefly Tapas Kitchen & Bar that now sickened at least 200 people from 20 states and two countries.

"Usually we think of people who are identified as just the tip of the iceberg," Linh Nguyen, an epidemiologist with the health district and lead investigator on the case, tells the Associated Press.

Now SNHD has released a list of foods investigators found most diners they interviewed ate. Initially investigators focused on aioli sauce, but that tested negative for salmonella. SNHD is now focusing on:

· White Sangria
· Thai Beef Salad
· Crispy Duck Roll
· Petite Filet
· Parmesan or Manchego Cheese on Dish (12 dishes)
· Fried Calamari
· Steamed Mussels
· Fish Sticks
· Firefly Fries
· Manchego Mac N Cheese
· Chicken and Chorizo Stuffed Mushrooms
 
SNHD lists the ingredients in descending order of their odds ratio, "a statistical measurement represents the odds that an outcome will occur given a particular exposure, compared to the odds of the outcome occurring in the absence of that exposure," according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information. 

Diners eating at the restaurant between April 21-24 were exposed to salmonella poisoning. An SNHD inspection of the restaurant on April 26 led to its closing with 44 demerits. Investigators talked both ill diners as well as other to winnow down the list of foods that could be the culprit.

John Simmons, the owner and chef behind Firefly, says the Paradise Road restaurant will not reopen and instead he's moving forward with a new location in the former Mr. B's Bar & Grill will open by the end of the month.

"We appreciate the diligence and thoroughness of the Southern Nevada Health District throughout this process. We will continue working with them as we implement the recommendations outlined in today's report — and we already have begun doing just that, including hiring a highly respected food safety and restaurant consultant with more than 25 years experience in the industry," Simmons says in a statement.
· 200 Believed Sickened at Firefly on Paradise [8 News Now]
· Firefly to Shutter Permanently as Victim Tally Hits 200 [~ELV~]
· All Coverage of Firefly [~ELV~]