Investigation at Fat Duck Restaurant - update

20 March 2009

The Health Protection Agency is aware of reports in the media about norovirus being linked to the outbreak of diarrhoea and vomiting illness associated with the Fat Duck restaurant in Bray, Berkshire.

The in-depth investigation into what has caused 529 people to date to report being ill after eating at the restaurant is continuing and so far, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has detected norovirus infection in six staff and eight diners and weaknesses in how staff sickness was identified and dealt with.

Based on staff interviews, sickness records and samples taken, it is clear that staff worked while still infectious with norovirus.  HPA guidance* states that people should not work in food preparation while they have symptoms/are infectious as a result of diarrhoea and vomiting to avoid the risk of passing the infection to others.

Advice given to the restaurant by the HPA and environmental health officers from the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead prior to its reopening last week, included guidance on the identification and management of staff illness.

When the Health Protection Agency's investigation is complete, a full report will be published.

Ends

Notes to Editors:

*Preventing person-to-person spread following gastrointestinal infections: guidelines for public health physicians and environmental health officers

Prepared by a Working Group of the former PHLS Advisory Committee on

Gastrointestinal Infections, December 2004

Diarrhoea and vomiting can be caused by infections or non-infectious agents. All cases of gastroenteritis should, however, be regarded as infectious unless good evidence suggests otherwise.

ALL cases of gastroenteritis should be regarded as potentially infectious and should normally be excluded, from work, school or other institutional settings, at least until 48 hours after the person is free from diarrhoea and/or vomiting.

Groups that pose an increased risk of spreading infection

It is particularly important to assess infected people who belong to groups for whom special action should be considered including:

• Group A: Any person of doubtful personal hygiene or
  with unsatisfactory toilet, hand-washing or hand drying
  facilities at home, work or school.
• Group B: Children who attend pre-school groups or
  nursery.
• Group C: People whose work involves preparing or
  serving unwrapped foods not subjected to further
  heating.

Further information on Norovirus and other causes of gastrointestinal illness can be found on the HPA website:
http://www.hpa.org.uk/webw/HPAweb&Page&HPAwebAutoListName/Page/1191942150117?p=1191942150117
Media contact: HPA Communications team 07789 295454/ 01243 815109

Last reviewed: 24 March 2009