James Packer, start paying less attention to your Mariah Carey hookup and more attention to food safety basics at your Crown Casino in Melbourne.

Up to 14 people may have been struck down with food poisoning after having high tea at the up-market restaurant The Conservatory at Crown Casino.

The diners fell ill after having afternoon tea at the restaurant on Saturday, February 6.

The Department of Health is investigating the illnesses and is awaiting test results of food samples and samples taken from the ill diners.

A health department spokesman said Melbourne City Council had inspected the restaurant and overseen a clean-up last week.

“Any cases will be followed up and tests are currently being undertaken to determine the cause,” the spokesman said.

A woman, known only as Melissa, was among the victims.

“A group of us went for afternoon tea at The Conservatory at Crown last Saturday, and by Sunday night there were five of us who were incredibly unwell,” she told radio station 3AW.

“And since then, during the week, another two people then became unwell and then there’s been another three who have become unwell.”

The buffet style $70-a-head afternoon tea included cold meats and cheese, Melissa said.

“One of the people who had been in contact with us – not from the original party – she had to go to hospital, because she’s pregnant. She’s be quite unwell and dehydrated,” she said.

Melissa said a woman and her five-month-old baby had also fallen ill after coming into contact with one of the original diners.