Bug outbreak a wake-up call for food industry, say safety experts

FOOD outlets were yesterday warned they face instant closure if they don't meet proper hygiene standards.

The warning came amidst a continuing investigation into the biggest outbreak to date of the potentially fatal E.coli 0157 bug.

The suspected source O'Connell's Restaurant in Dublin is being examined by health experts in a bid to pinpoint the exact cause.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) yesterday said the outbreak was a 'wake-up' call for the food industry.

FSAI's director of service contracts, Peter Whelan, told restaurants and hotels to either shape up or face the consequences.

"The ultimate consequence for any food premises is that they are closed down. We closed down six premises last month."

He said O'Connell's Restaurant in Ballsbridge had voluntarily decided to close temporarily and that they demonstrated a mature approach to the problem.

His comments come as the Eastern Regional Health Authority responded to calls from people who feared they might have contracted E.coli from O'Connell's Restaurant. A spokeswoman for the authority said they had received around 100 callers to their helpline.

She said all those who displayed symptoms were being examined by public health officials. She said there had been five confirmed cases of E.coli 0157, as well as a number of probable cases. All have recovered. The National Disease Surveillance Centre said the true extent of the outbreak might not yet be apparent.

Mr Whelan said E.coli 0157 was the most serious food poisoning threat to consumers.

Up to 30% of people infected can develop kidney failure and between 3% and 5% die, he said.

He said all 40,000 food businesses here must ensure every food worker is trained in food safety. He said 50% of those people who ecover from E.coli can still carry the bacteria for 14-16 weeks.

"This is where personal hygiene becomes absolutely vital, Mr Whelan said.

He advised consumers to vote with their feet and leave a premises if they witness unhygienic standards and to report the outlet.

Those seeking information can check www.fsai.ie.