The Newark City Health Department confirmed on Wednesday that Salmonella is the cause of a Salmonella outbreak that sickened dozens and resulted in several hospitalizations following Holiday parties at Newark’s Iberia Peninsula restaurant.

According to Esmeralda Diaz Cameron, health department spokeswoman, city inspectors have been monitoring the restaurant’s food preparation since the first reports of the outbreak, but have allowed the eatery to remain open.  

To date, city health officials have not identified the food source, however, they are testing the restaurant’s sauces and 27 employees for Salmonella.  A total of 23 people reported symptoms, with several hospitalized, to the city’s health office, but officials said more could have been affected.

According to the New Jersey Department of Health and Human Services, salmonellosis — the condition caused by swallowing the fecal bacteria Salmonella — can last for five to seven days, with victims suffering diarrhea, vomiting and, in severe cases, chronic arthritis.