Report reveals Fat Duck norovirus was largest ever recorded

An outbreak of norovirus at the world famous Fat Duck in Bray nearly three years ago is the largest ever recorded, according to a new report.

Heston Blumenthal's three Michelin starred restaurant closed temporarily in February 2009 after at least 240 people suffered from vomiting, nausea and diarrhoea caused by the virus.

The outbreak was traced to contaminated oysters but the report, published in the Epidemiology and Infection Journal this week, also said infected staff, who carried on working despite suffering symptoms of the virus, may have also contributed to its spreading.

It also said tests on 20 samples of food found two containing E. coli and Enterobacteriaceae which are 'reported to be an indicator of a breakdown in food hygiene practices' and a six week delay in informing public health authorities 'may have contributed to the outbreak size and duration'.

It added: "The size and duration of this outbreak exceed any other commercial restaurant-associated norovirus outbreaks in the published literature."

A spokeswoman for the restaurant in Bray High Street said: "The reported illness in February 2009 at The Fat Duck was confirmed as oysters contaminated at source by norovirus. 

"At the time we voluntarily closed the restaurant and called in the authorities. 

"We are satisfied with all our procedures that were in place and strongly refute any accusations of wrongdoing."