Restaurant manager prosecuted after salmonella outbreak

Stratford-on-Avon District Council has successfully prosecuted the restaurant manager, Henry Cheung, of the Laughing Buddha Bar and Restaurant in Stratford-upon-Avon for eight food hygiene offences, including causing a salmonella food poisoning outbreak.

Mr Cheung was ordered to pay over £20,000 in fines and costs at Leamington Magistrates Court last Friday 31 July.  He was also banned by the court from ever running a food business.

Between 23rd July and 31st August 2014, at least 15 people became ill with salmonella food poisoning after eating at the Chinese restaurant. Five were hospitalised with the worst case suffering from kidney failure. The salmonella was a rare strain that was traced back to contaminated eggs from Germany and formed part of a wider national outbreak last year.

Food businesses are strongly recommended to buy Lion-branded eggs as this significantly reduces the risk of salmonella in the eggs. Despite this, the outbreak was completely preventable at the Laughing Buddha should they have put good hygiene practices in place.

The premises had a history of low hygiene standards, with several previous Hygiene Improvement Notices, a Simple Caution and a week-long closure by the District Council when the outbreak became apparent.

Cllr Daren Pemberton, Environment and Planning Portfolio said: “Whilst it is unfortunate that a prosecution can have a negative impact on a business, the District Council will not tolerate dangerously low food hygiene standards that in this case resulted in a food poisoning outbreak. 

“Our environmental health officers carry out regular checks on all food premises across the District to make sure the public is protected and that high standards are maintained.  The District Council is happy to work with and support local food businesses to help them improve and maintain these standards. 

“Residents and visitors alike have the right to expect high food hygiene standards in Stratford-on-Avon District, wherever they eat. We expect all food businesses to take food hygiene very seriously and do everything they can to protect their customers from contracting food poisoning."