Health department links illnesses to ice cream machine at McDonald's

PIQUA, Ohio (AP) -- Bacteria growing in an ice cream machine at a restaurant have been linked to the illnesses of more than 120 people, according to preliminary test findings by the city's health department.
The machine used in preparing ice cream, shakes and sundaes at the McDonald's restaurant was shut down Oct. 2, Greg Dion, city director of health and sanitation, said Thursday.
Dion said he did not know how the staphylococcus bacteria was introduced into the machine.
People who became ill ranged in age from 1 to 81, and symptoms included vomiting, diarrhea and cramps, Dion said.
"This was an unfortunate, isolated incident involving a malfunctioning piece of restaurant equipment," Benny Scott, the restaurant's owner/operator, said in a statement.
Scott said the machine was immediately removed from service, and a new machine has since been installed. He said the restaurant has an excellent food safety record and that the health department has approved the resumption of ice cream sales.
"Nothing is more important to me than the safety and well-being of my customers," Scott said.