14 people have allegedly suffered food poisoning after consuming high tea at The Conservatory at Crown Casino, Melbourne.
The diners reported feeling ill following the high tea service on Saturday 6 February. VIC Health officials are currently awaiting test results to confirm the cause of the incident.
Speaking with The Age, a Health Department spokesperson said that Melbourne City Council had inspected the restaurant following reports of the incident, adding that only people who dined at the venue on 6 February had been affected.
“Any cases will be followed up and tests are currently being undertaken to determine the cause,” the spokesperson said.
“… It seems to be confined to that afternoon.”
Speaking with 3AW, a woman known as Melissa said that she and her friends experienced “all the usual symptoms” of food poisoning following the afternoon tea service, which included cold meats and cheese.
“It took all of us at least three days to start to feel human again and actually be able to eat anything. We were all severely dehydrated, [with] nausea, vomiting, all the usual symptoms… aching body, headaches,” she said.
Late last month in a separate incident, at least 40 people were admitted to St George and Sutherland hospitals in NSW with gastroenteritis symptoms after consuming food prepared at a bakery in Sydney’s south.
NSW Health officials say that initial test results found that the patients suffered from salmonella poisoning and as a result, the department issued a prohibition order to close the bakery on Monday 25 January.