In September 2015, public health and agriculture officials investigated an outbreak of suspected Bacillus cereus infections associated with Tequilas Mexican Grill located in Goodland, Kansas. Sixteen outbreak cases were identified. No one was hospitalized and no one died. Meal dates ranged from September 15, 2015 to September 28, 2015.

A retrospective case control study was conducted to determine potential associations between illness and food items served at the restaurant. Enchiladas, shredded cheese, refried beans and raw
tomatoes were found to be statistically associated with illness. Samples of chicken and refried beans were submitted to a private laboratory for testing. Both tested positive for presence of Bacillus cereus at 130 and 260 colony forming units per gram, respectively.

The initial inspection noted numerous food safety violations including possible cross
contamination events and out of specification holding temperatures. The follow up inspection
on October 1st revealed that holding temperatures for food items remained an issue. The final
inspection by KDA revealed no violations and no additional follow up was required.

No clinical specimens were available for testing. Given the incubation period, symptoms and duration of illness, the suspected agent was Bacillus cereus intoxication in this outbreak. The outbreak was most likely caused by Bacillus cereus intoxication from foods that were not held at proper temperatures which could have allowed for growth of this microorganism causing an outbreak of gastrointestinal illnesses among patrons.