In March 2017 local and state agencies in Massachusetts investigated an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infections linked to food prepared at Chicken & Rice Guys. The Middle Eastern food emporium which operates three restaurants in Boston and one in Medford, along with five food trucks, was closed on April 11 while public health officials worked to determine what caused the outbreak. As many as 15 people were sickened. Ten people were hospitalized. Food was prepared at Union Square Kitchens located in Somerville. Inspectors found rodent infestation and evidence that the chain's food trucks were routinely supplied with water from a bathroom faucet. Inspectors also found insufficient heating and cooling systems for the 400-600 pounds of raw chicken Chicken & Rice Guys cooked daily at the facility.