Criticism after E. coli outbreak

My food safety friend whom I’ve never met was in the UK press today, criticizing the failure to prosecute a catering firm blamed for an outbreak at the SSE Hydro.

big_bill_in_groundhog-731047Around 22 people were infected, with three hospitalised, after people at the Glasgow entertainment venue ate undercooked burgers from an outlet in January.

Levy Restaurants was held responsible for the outbreak by the Public Health Protection Unit in a report.

Glasgow City Council is to take no further action after being reassured the firm had made changes to the way it prepares food.

But Professor Hugh Pennington, emeritus professor of bacteriology at Aberdeen University, said he is surprised the city council is to take no legal action.

He said: “They have to pay a price by appearing in court.”

He wants “rigorous” action to reassure the public.

Levy’s owners Compass Group said it took food hygiene very seriously and had robust systems in place to ensure the highest standards are maintained.

Uh huh. Keep up the good fight, Hugh.

At least 7 sick with E. coli O157 linked to burgers from Scotland’s Hydro stadium

A health alert has been sparked after thousands of people were potentially exposed to E. coli O157 via burgers sold at Glasgow’s SSE Hydro.

Seven cases of E.coli O157 are being investigated by the Public Health Protection Unit of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC), all of which were thought to be contracted e.coli.O157.hydro.scotland.14at the arena.

The cases could being linked to burgers sold at food outlets inside the £125million arena, although other food items are also being considered.

The period of time under investigation – January 17 to 25 – saw the Hydro holding a series of five events by Top Gear, on Friday 17 to Sunday 19.

Also on at the venue in that period was a gig by Del Amitri, on Friday, January 24, and an event as part of the Celtic Connections Festival on Saturday, January 25.

The venue holds up to 12,000, meaning up to 84000 people attended the Hydro in that period.

NHSGGC is liaising with Health Protection Scotland, the Food Standards Agency and Glasgow City Council in its investigation.