The Pinal County Public Health Services District (PCPHSD) has temporarily suspended the food establishment permit of the Windmill Winery in Florence, AZ, after a wedding at the facility on March 19 was linked to a Salmonella outbreak. Health department officials were alerted to the outbreak when a wedding guest called to report that several attendees were sick and at least 4 were hospitalized, including a young child. The officials began an investigation into the Windmill Winery’s food practices and discovered that the operators had exceeded their legally allowable level of food preparation and used a non-permitted caterer. “All are serious violations of the Pinal County Environmental Health Code and Arizona state statute,” said PHPSD Director Tom Schryer. “Our inspection and preliminary review of the practices of this operator found several potential sources of this outbreak, but it will take at least the next several days to determine the cause.” While the investigation is underway, the health department has suspended the winery’s food service to protect the safety of the public. As of April 3, at least 22 people have been reported ill that attended the wedding, but this number is expected to grow as the investigation progresses. The PCPHSD is working on the investigation with state health officials and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC). Most people infected with Salmonella develop fever, diarrhea, and abdominal cramping that starts between 12 and 72 hours after exposure. Symptoms typically last four to seven days and most people recover without any treatment. However, in some people the infection may become severe and require hospitalization. The elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune systems are at higher risk of more serious disease. Anyone who has eaten at this facility and then experienced symptoms may call the PHPSD hotline at (520) 866-4460 (for those who speak English) and (520) 866-4465 (for those who speak Spanish). Callers will be directed to leave their name and contact information so a public health employee can return their call. Expected response times could be 48-72 hours due to the number of interviews the department is conducting.