Fueling Minds Inc. was charged after an eight-week outbreak that was announced in September 2023. There were at least 448 infections, and 39 children and one adult were hospitalized with serious illness. The pleas came on what was scheduled as the first day of the trial, and a $10,000 fine was recommended in a joint submission by lawyers. Justice Matthew St. Germain said he wanted time to review the facts and set a May 27 sentencing date.

“As we know, this is a serious matter and it should be handled with due care as you negotiate this agreement,” the judge said. “Now it’s my turn to give it that same level of care and make a decision.” Health officials have said Fueling Minds provided breakfast, lunch and snacks to its daycares and several separate daycares as well. The day after the outbreak was announced, the company was flagged for three health violations, including inadequate cleaning practices, a pest infestation that included cockroaches and food being transported without temperature control. A report last year said the outbreak was likely linked to meatloaf, but it could not be definitively determined whether the bacteria came from a contaminated ingredient or something else. The province also launched a third-party review that made recommendations to improve the health and safety of children in licensed child care facilities.