Health officials in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania took swift action against Chi-Chi's after that contaminated green onions were causing a massive Hepatitis A outbreak.
In October 2003, a Chi-Chi's restaurant at the Beaver Valley Mall in Monaca, Pennsylvania became the center of the largest hepatitis A outbreak in U.S. history linked to a single food establishment. A total of 660 people were infected, 4 died, and 13 required liver transplants. The outbreak was traced to contaminated green onions imported from Mexico.
The CDC estimates that restaurants are the most common setting for foodborne illness outbreaks, accounting for over 60% of reported cases. Common culprits include Salmonella, E. coli O157:H7, Norovirus, and Listeria — organisms that thrive when food temperatures, handling, and sanitation aren't controlled.
The CDC reported that the outbreak caused $33 million in losses and contributed to Chi-Chi's filing for bankruptcy. Health officials found that the contaminated green onions had been served in salsa, salads, and other dishes without adequate cooking to destroy the Hepatitis A virus, and further inspection revealed the outbreak prompted the FDA to issue new safety guidelines for raw produce imports.
The state health department confirmed the findings in a formal notice of violation issued to the franchise owner. Under state health code, critical violations must be corrected before reinspection, and the facility remains subject to unannounced follow-up visits for six months.
Consumers who experience symptoms of foodborne illness after dining out — including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or fever within 72 hours of a meal — should contact their local health department to file a report. These reports are critical for triggering inspections.
InspectorEats.com provides free access to health inspection records for thousands of restaurants across the country. Search your city to see which restaurants earned top marks — and which ones should be avoided.
This incident serves as a reminder that even well-known restaurants can fall short of health standards. Chi-Chi's closed all remaining locations in the United States following the bankruptcy filing.