Chi-Chi’s, a long-gone but not-forgotten Tex-Mex chain, has gained new attention following news of the restaurant’s return two decades after it closed. Working with Hormel, owner of the Chi-Chi’s brand, the original founder’s son has expressed plans to rebuild the restaurant in 2025. While many restaurants are successfully capitalizing on the rising nostalgia wave, Chi’s reputation -Chi faces a serious obstacle. this could make a return difficult.

Appearing in our roundup of restaurant chains with the worst food poisoning outbreaksChi-Chi’s legacy was tarnished by an incident in Pennsylvania in 2003. An outbreak of hepatitis A, which was ultimately traced to contaminated green onions served by the restaurant, caused illness in 660 of the restaurant’s patrons, four of whom died due to its effects.

A type of viral infection that affects the liver, hepatitis A is linked to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue and jaundice. Many people with the disease recover within a few weeks, but people with existing health problems or those who are older may experience more serious complications. Restaurants can take certain precautions to prevent hepatitis A infections, such as properly disinfecting work areas and diligently washing their hands. In Chi-Chi’s case, however, the scallion contamination likely occurred long before the ingredient arrived at the restaurant.

Learn more: The Most Overrated Restaurant Chains in the United States, According to Mashed Staff

Overcoming the worst hepatitis A outbreak in American history

According to a CDC Report created at the time of the outbreak, customers who visited a Chi-Chi’s restaurant located in Monaca, Pennsylvania (just outside of Pittsburgh) became ill after consuming specific menu items. Of those affected, 94% said they ate the chain’s free mild salsa. Another 15% became ill after eating the restaurant’s chili con queso, and the CDC ultimately determined that “only chili con queso and mild salsa were significantly associated with illness.”

The agency identified these foods as the source of the outbreak because they contained “uncooked or minimally heated” scallions, while scallions appearing in other dishes were fully cooked. You are actually more likely to get food poisoning from vegetables rather than meatwhich highlights the importance of cooking vegetables thoroughly before adding them to recipes.

It remains to be seen whether or not the relaunch of Chi-Chi will manage to overcome this very unfortunate event. It should, however, be mentioned that on Redditan announcement regarding the restaurant’s return was met with largely positive feedback. One person enthusiastically wrote: “I can smell this friend’s ice cream!!! while another said: “The outrageous burrito or the twice-grilled barbecue burrito were my (favorite).” Although we wish the channel good luck for a successful relaunch, there are a few Chi-Chi menu items we’d rather not see return (looking at you, Yucatan-style pot roast and lobster enchiladas).

Read the original article on Puree.