In May 2015, Kansas public health and agriculture officials investigated an outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium infections associated with Las Canteras Mexican Restaurant located in Norton, Kansas. Ten outbreak associated cases were identified. One person was hospitalized. No one died. Four stool specimens were positive for salmonellosis, PFGE pattern JPXX01.0256. Meal dates ranged from May 2, 2015 to May 10, 2015.

A case control study was conducted to determine exposures with statistical association with illness. In bivariate analysis, fresh tomatoes (OR = 11.67, CI = 1.23-110.95, p = 0.037) and ground beef (OR = 7.28, CI = 1.17-45.25, p = 0.038) were statistically associated with illness. These two ingredients remained significant in logistic regression analysis when analyzed independently.

Multiple inspections conducted at the restaurant over the next few months noted numerous food safety violations. Of greatest concern were four areas: improper cooling improper cold holding, handwashing, and bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.