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Wan LixinOpinion deputy editor of Shanghai Daily
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Fat Duck diners not poisoned: owner
Source: Agencies |
March 21, 2009, Saturday
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Print Edition
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THE illness that struck about 400 diners at The Fat Duck restaurant in Britain was possibly caused by the highly contagious "norovirus" but definitely not by food poisoning, its owner has said.
Heston Blumenthal, widely regarded as one of the world's greatest chefs, said exhaustive tests on staff and customers had suggested the infection was the only likely cause of the outbreak of illness.
The award-winning restaurant in Bray, Berkshire, which has three Michelin stars, was forced to close last month after diners were struck by diarrhoea and vomiting.
It reopened two weeks later after being given the all clear by health and environmental inspectors. Blumenthal said 200 tests had been carried out and all had come back negative for food poisoning or hygiene problems.
"It is categorically not food poisoning, we know that," the chef said.
"The only thing that has come up is that three staff and five customers have been tested positive for something called norovirus."
The highly infectious virus, which is common in Britain over the winter months, brings on symptoms of nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever and muscle pain.
The Health Protection Agency said last week investigations into the cause were continuing.
"Results of some tests are still awaited and the detailed questioning of people who reported illness is likely to continue for some weeks in order to build a more complete picture," it said in a statement.
The Fat Duck, which charges 130 pounds (US$190) for its 17-course tasting menu, is famed for its chemistry-inspired dishes such as snail porridge and bacon-and-eggs ice cream. Blumenthal has been described as a "culinary alchemist."
The illness meant that bookings for 800 people had to be cancelled, Blumenthal said, but it had not deterred customers wanting to dine.
Heston Blumenthal, widely regarded as one of the world's greatest chefs, said exhaustive tests on staff and customers had suggested the infection was the only likely cause of the outbreak of illness.
The award-winning restaurant in Bray, Berkshire, which has three Michelin stars, was forced to close last month after diners were struck by diarrhoea and vomiting.
It reopened two weeks later after being given the all clear by health and environmental inspectors. Blumenthal said 200 tests had been carried out and all had come back negative for food poisoning or hygiene problems.
"It is categorically not food poisoning, we know that," the chef said.
"The only thing that has come up is that three staff and five customers have been tested positive for something called norovirus."
The highly infectious virus, which is common in Britain over the winter months, brings on symptoms of nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever and muscle pain.
The Health Protection Agency said last week investigations into the cause were continuing.
"Results of some tests are still awaited and the detailed questioning of people who reported illness is likely to continue for some weeks in order to build a more complete picture," it said in a statement.
The Fat Duck, which charges 130 pounds (US$190) for its 17-course tasting menu, is famed for its chemistry-inspired dishes such as snail porridge and bacon-and-eggs ice cream. Blumenthal has been described as a "culinary alchemist."
The illness meant that bookings for 800 people had to be cancelled, Blumenthal said, but it had not deterred customers wanting to dine.
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