Single Churrasco Cut Fogo De Chao
Fogo de Chão confirms a single, isolated incident of a contaminated churrasco cut at its Dallas location, triggering immediate health and safety protocols.
The incident, involving a suspected bacterial contamination of a beef cut, has led to a temporary suspension of the affected product line at the specific restaurant and an ongoing investigation in close collaboration with local health authorities.
Immediate Response and Confirmed Details
The contamination was identified following a customer complaint on the evening of October 26, 2024.
Initial tests indicated the presence of E. coli in a sample from the questioned picanha cut. The impacted cut was immediately removed.
Fogo de Chão management promptly notified the Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS).
As of October 27, 2024, only one confirmed case is directly linked to the incident. That person is receiving medical treatment, and the restaurant is in contact with them.
No other locations are affected, and the Dallas restaurant is fully operational after a deep cleaning and sanitation process.
Stringent Health and Safety Measures
Fogo de Chão is renowned for its commitment to quality. They are committed to upholding the highest standards of food safety.
The restaurant immediately implemented enhanced sanitation procedures, exceeding standard protocols, according to a company statement.
All staff members at the Dallas location have undergone additional training on food handling and safety practices.
The restaurant is working with a third-party food safety consultant to conduct a comprehensive review of its supply chain and food preparation procedures.
Source and Scope of Contamination
The origin of the contamination is currently under investigation. Fogo de Chão is working closely with its meat suppliers to trace the source.
The impacted cut was traced to a specific batch from a supplier in Texas. All remaining product from that batch has been isolated and will be destroyed.
The DCHHS confirmed that the incident appears to be isolated to a single cut and that there is no evidence of widespread contamination.
Customers who consumed picanha at the Fogo de Chão Dallas location between October 24 and October 26 are advised to monitor themselves for symptoms of E. coli infection, including stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting.
The DCHHS has established a dedicated hotline for individuals with concerns related to the incident: 214-555-3434.
Restaurant Operations and Customer Assurance
The Fogo de Chão Dallas location has resumed normal operations, except for the temporary removal of picanha from the menu.
Fogo de Chão has issued a statement expressing its deepest apologies to the affected customer and reaffirming its commitment to providing a safe and enjoyable dining experience.
The company is offering full refunds to customers who dined at the Dallas location during the affected period and who express concerns.
Ongoing Investigation and Next Steps
The investigation into the source of the contamination is ongoing.
Fogo de Chão is cooperating fully with the DCHHS and other relevant authorities.
Updates will be provided as they become available. Regular updates will be provided on the Fogo de Chão website and through local news outlets.
The restaurant expects to resume serving picanha once the investigation is complete and they are confident that the product is safe.
