Cronut burger illnesses at CNE caused by maple bacon jam

It wasn’t the half-doughnut, half-croissant bun. It wasn’t the beef patty. It wasn’t the optional egg or bacon.

The part of the cronut burger contaminated with the Staphylococcus aureus toxin, which caused food-borne illness in 223 people at the Canadian National Exhibition last week, was the maple bacon jam topping, according to Toronto Public Health's lab reports and inspection of vendor Epic Burgers and Waffles.

"New lab results indicate that the maple bacon jam, which is one component of the cronut burger, is the cause of food-borne illnesses at the CNE," said Dr. David McKeown, Toronto's medical officer. "We have ensured the contaminated product is not served. There is no risk to the public."

The investigation also ruled that Epic Burgers and Waffles could reopen its food stall at the CNE because the contaminated topping was from an outside vendor — Le Dolci.

However, a statement from Epic Burgers and Waffles said it would reopen its food stand but not serve the cronut burger.

"As a result of this finding, Epic Burgers and Waffles have decided to remove the Cronut Burger from our menu and we will no longer do business with the aforementioned supplier," said the statement.

Symptoms reported by people who ate the cronut burger ranged from an upset stomach, to diarrhea, fever, vomiting, abdominal cramps and dehydration.

Below is a representation of what Staphylococcus aureus looks like under a microscope.