Protecting families from contaminated food and water
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Protecting families from contaminated food and water
Posted in Campylobacter,Our Blog,Outbreaks & Recalls,Salmonella on June 11, 2026
Toe River Health District is investigating an outbreak of food poisoning at El Ranchero in Spruce Pine, North Carolina. Health officials are asking for feedback on whether you became sick after eating at the restaurant on or after May 18, 2026 to gather more details about the scope of the situation.
Reports indicate sick people have been diagnosed with Salmonella and/or Campylobacter bacterial infections after consuming food from the restaurant.
What is being done about the situation? Is there a specific food responsible for these illnesses? What is Salmonella and Campylobacter and how do you know if you have it? What should you do if you get sick?
Here’s what we know so far about food poisoning at El Ranchero restaurant in Spruce Pine and what you can do to help!
In a recent press release, Toe River Health District notified the people of Mitchell County of a foodborne illness investigation in their area.
On June 5, 2026, health officials indicated that four individuals from Mitchen County and two individuals from Yancey County have been diagnosed with Salmonella infections. Some were co-infected with Campylobacter infections as well. Reports indicate that more than one person required hospitalization.
Based on epidemiologic interviews, the Health District “has determined a local restaurant, El Ranchero located at 203 Locust St in Spruce Pine, as the common source of the foodborne illness.”
Fans of the restaurant and locals are concerned about this Salmonella/Campylobacter outbreak. So, what is being done about the situation?
Local health authorities are investigating the outbreak, but state officials have pitched in as well. Both Toe River Health District Registered Environmental Health Specialists and members of North Carolina Division of Public Health have conducted inspections and follow-up site visits at the restaurant.
These inspections included sanitary condition assessments and recommendations for the restaurant. These agencies are “working with the restaurant to ensure the public health is protected.” At least three recent visits were conducted to try to identify the source of the outbreak.
Findings of these visits include:
Despite several cross-contamination observations with a well-known Salmonella and Campylobacter bacteria risk, raw chicken, no specific food item has been implicated in this outbreak.
Health authorities may be hesitant to announce a specific food source because there could be a range of dishes consumed by sick individuals.
Salmonella is a type of bacteria known to cause human illness. It’s a microscopic germ that can cause anywhere from mild to severe illness.
Chicken, leafy greens, vegetables, and ready-to-eat foods are commonly associated with Salmonella infections.
Common symptoms include:
Most people experience symptoms in as little as six hours and up to six days after exposure. In some cases, illness onset could be much longer.
Severity and length of illness often vary from person to person. However, most people experience mild illnesses that pass quickly. Others, on the other hand, may experience severe illness lasting weeks or even months after initial symptoms.
Most people feel better within a week (four to seven days).
Campylobacter, is another common bacteria responsible for human illness.
Common Campylobacter symptoms include:
People often begin to feel sick around two to five days after ingesting something contaminated with Campylobacter bacteria. Most of the time symptoms are resolved within a week. However, some may experience additional complications.
Those with weakened immune systems, people receiving chemotherapy treatment, and those with a blood disorder are more likely to develop a life-threatening infection if the bacteria spread to the bloodstream and on to other parts of the body.
If you have recently become sick with food poisoning at El Ranchero in Spruce Pine, North Carolina, there are a few things you can do to improve your situation.
Illnesses involving vomiting and diarrhea can deplete your body of needed hydration. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids, avoid caffeine and sugary drinks, and add electrolytes as needed.
If you begin experiencing serious symptoms or complications, reach out to your healthcare provider right away. Go to the emergency room if needed. While some people can recover on their own without medical intervention, some people need antibiotic and fluid support to recover.
Even if you experience mild illness, it is important to report your illness. This helps investigators better understand the outbreak and help prevent future illnesses.
Toe River Health District is asking those who fell ill with food poisoning at El Ranchero to answer a short survey about their illness.
“If you ate food or drank beverages from El Ranchero located at 203 Locust St. in Spruce Pine North Carolina, on or after May 18, 2026, please email TRHD at mchd@toeriverhealth.org with your name and email address. TRHD will send a survey to individuals who provide their email addresses early next week to evaluate whether any menu items may have contributed to additional reported illnesses. Even if you are not experiencing symptoms currently, we are requesting you contact TRHD using the email above to complete the survey.”
If you have experienced severe illness, it is a good idea to get advice from an experienced food poisoning lawyer. They can answer your questions and point you in the direction of resources.
If you have fallen ill after eating at El Ranchero in Spruce Pine, North Carolina and want advice, The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has experienced food poisoning lawyers that can help!
The Lange Law Firm PLLC specializes in cases of foodborne illness to hold accountable those who are responsible for foodborne illnesses. We put a lot of trust in those who prepare our food to follow appropriate health codes and rules. When that trust is broken, people become sick. The Lange Law Firm, PLLC can help you set this right.
Contact our food poisoning lawyers today for a free consultation at (833) 330-3663 or click here to email.
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)