Clover Food Labs shut down all its operations this weekend, including the food trucks on the Rose Kennedy Greenway, when victims of Salmonella were confirmed to have eaten at Clover. Twelve people have been diagnosed with the infection, including two in Boston, according the Boston Public Health Commission. Clover CEO Ayr Muir made the announcement on their website:
The epidemiologist with the state helped me understand that Salmonella can come from a product we were serving (e.g., eggs, chicken, etc.) or it can come from an employee who was carrying the disease. … Knowing that, and not knowing much else we decided to close all operations this weekend as a precaution until we learn more. The most recent case they know about was from 6/27/13. … We are examining our ingredients and suppliers. All appropriate Clover employees are being tested for Salmonella. Read the full statement.
Clover was a pioneer of the Greenway Conservancy’s food truck program that started two years ago and was serving food in the North End Parks and Dewey Square. Muir said he was contacted by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health last Friday when a connection was made between those sickened that had eaten at Clover. It is not known which Clover location(s), either food trucks or its stationary restaurants, are suspected of spreading the bacteria.
Salmonella is a bacteria that can exist in raw eggs, meat, dairy and poultry but can be transferred to other foods through transport. Food needs to be swallowed to cause an infection and thoroughly cooked foods are less at risk. Most cases are not life threatening and symptoms can go away after a few days. No estimate was given as to when the Clover trucks might return.
I don’t understand how these trucks can serve “fresh” food in 90 degree weather with 8 people in a tiny truck. I see the lines I guess because its cheap, but can they really bring in enough water and ice to keep things clean and coldd? And my big question, where do the workers go to the bathroom?
then you don’t have to eat there.