Virus Back at The Cowfish
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CHARLOTTE, NC — A SouthPark restaurant is closed again, after more people reported getting sick.
The Cowfish first closed its doors over the weekend, after more than 50 people were sickened by what may be the Norovirus. Now we’re learning more about health code violations at the restaurant.
Two more customers and another employee reported flu-like symptoms after eating or working at the Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar.
The restaurant closed voluntarily Saturday after 55 people were hit with a virus last week, then reopened on Sunday.
Cowfish is now closed for the rest of the week, the staff back at it, trying to clean, throwing out more food.
We pulled the health inspections for the last three years for The Cowfish, and while the overall scores were good, we did find some disturbing critical violations. Things that may have led to this shutdown.
The most recent inspection in April found that employees failed to properly clean and wash their hands, and that hand washing sinks were not being maintained. There was also bare hand contact with food, and food-contact surfaces that were inadequately cleaned.
All critical violations that could lead to the spread of this virus. And it’s not the first time. Similar violations in March and July of last year, and September of 2013.
The Mecklenburg County Health Department believes a virus resembling Norovirus is what caused 58 people to experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain.
“It can be dangerous, really,” says SouthPark resident Stewart Burke. “So I’m glad that they’re doing. I’ve eaten there. When I was there it was fine. But I haven’t been there in about a year or so.”
Burke says he won’t be eating at Cowfish anytime soon.
“Not for a while anyway!” says Burke.
Cowfish posted a statement on Facebook saying in part:
“We will remain closed at least through Sunday to allow time for a professional cleaning company to sanitize the restaurant again, and ensure all potential sources of the suspected virus have been eliminated. We also will continue to work with health officials to be sure we are doing everything possible to protect the health and safety of our guests and employees.”
The Mecklenburg County Health Department says inspectors continue investigating the cause of the illness, and that Cowfish management has been proactive and in constant contact with the department.
Learn more about the Norovirus here.
