In October 1994, 19 Filipino professional staff of a large company in Dammam city were hospitalized with acute febrile gastroenteritis. All ate three daily meals at the company cafeteria. A case-control investigation was begun to determine the cause of the outbreak. We searched the compound for any resident with a diarrhoeal illness. Both cases and controls were asked where and when foods were eaten during the three days before onset. Stool cultures were done for all patients and 25 kitchen employees. Food cooking, handling and storage procedures were reviewed.
Conclusion: