Posted: December 10th, 2011 - 4:48pm by Doug Powell

As the number of sick people doubled from 11 to 22 and one restaurant, Don Julio’s, closed voluntarily Thursday, the Cornith, Mississippi, visitors bureau said no one should hesitate to continue supporting area restaurants.

Health officials had found no evidence of any food contamination at Don Julio’s, and it was not ordered to close, a sign on the door said.

However, concern about contamination of vegetables from a supplier and the safety of customers prompted the move.

Don Julio’s and any other restaurant where confirmed salmonella victims say they ate will come under scrutiny, a state health department spokeswoman said Wednesday.