Business that sold tainted guinea pig meat, other dishes, could face sanctions

The host of the Ecuadorian Independence Festival who obtained permits for the event from the city of Minneapolis could face sanctions for selling unapproved and mishandled food.

The permit to host the Aug. 11 festival was issued to Nieves Riera, who is the vendor that is the suspected source of an outbreak of salmonella that sent 81 people to area hospitals.

Matt Laible, a spokesman with the city of Minneapolis, said late Wednesday that the city could issue fines, revoke permits or take other steps.

The New York Plaza Produce store, where the festival was held, was closed Thursday.

Health officials are still investigating what exactly caused 81 people to fall ill after eating guinea pig and other Ecuadorian dishes from the vendor.