In October 2012, the Hennepin County Human Services and Public Health Department (HSPHD) epidemiology unit investigated an outbreak of viral gastroenteritis among several co-workers who shared a lunch on October 10 catered by a restaurant in Eden Prairie. Symptoms were consistent with infection with norovirus.

A list of co-workers from the catered meal and additional restaurant patrons were interviewed about food consumption and illness history. Four individuals from the group of co-workers met the case definition. All four cases consumed catered foods at a work meeting. Foods consumed included a variety of sandwiches, salads, soups, and bottled beverages. No food item was associated with illness.

HSPHS sanitarians noted issues with the restaurant's sanitizer system. The system that automatically measured the quaternary ammonia sanitizer was not correctly dispensing and staff were not testing the solution to ensure the correct concentration. Illness histories and job duty information was obtained from 22 restaurant employees. One employee reported vomiting and diarrhea beginning on the morning of October 9 and resolving later that evening. This employee worked preparing sandwiches on October 10.