On August 21, 2001, environmental health specialists at the Cobb County Board of Health conducted an on-site inspection at the Golden Corral. During the inspection, several food-handling errors were observed, but the investigation continued without a clear food or environmental source being identified.
Over the course of the investigation 37 patient specimens, 40 food handler specimens, 100 environmental specimens and 51 foods were tested for bacteria. The same strain of Salmonella found in patients was found inside the kitchen in a floor drain leading public health officials to conclude that food prepared and served at the Golden Corral Restaurant located in Kennesaw, Georgia was the source of the outbreak.