More than 20 sick after Elgin golf outing

ELGIN, Ill. (WLS) -- The Kane County Health Department is investigating what made more than 20 people sick at an Elgin golf course restaurant.

The golf outing and fundraiser at Highlands of Elgin Golf Course ended with a dinner at the Grumpy Goat Tavern on Friday.

One of the organizers said the over 100 guests left in good health, but on Sunday, at least 21 people became sick with gastrointestinal symptoms.

Elgin health inspectors came out to the restaurant Tuesday - the same day one of the sick attendees called. Inspectors found all sanitation and food preparation in good working order.

Nonetheless, Kane County Health is now investigating the outbreak.

"We have to get everybody's food history and find out who's well and who may be ill," said Tom Schlueter, Kane County Health Department.

"As a restaurateur, I've been in this business for 45 years and you learn about sanitation at a very early age. You take it very seriously," said Greg Shannon, owner of Grumpy Goat Tavern. "I want to know if something went wrong. We are waiting for Kane County to let us know."

As the investigation continues, the restaurant is operating as normal. But it is possible the source of the illness may never be determined.

"It's very difficult to try to find an exact cause of one of these types of incidents," Schlueter said.

However, those that were sick are now well, officials said.