Around 70 People Affected By Illness In May 2013

The owners of the Golden Heart Inn pub, in Nettleton Bottom near Cheltenham, have been fined around £8,000 after they pleaded guilty to failing to implement adequate food safety procedures at the local Magistrates Court. 

Catherine Stevens and David Morgan pleaded guilty to failings in relation to problems which emerged after they provided Indian-style food and drink for a Bollywood themed event held at Birdlip and Brimpsfield Cricket Club in May 2013.  The event was in aid of the Great Western Air Ambulance Service.

Around 70 people subsequently reported having suffered illness following the event.  The local Council and Public Health England investigations confirmed the problems were caused by clostridium perfringen bacteria which can cause diarrhoea and abdominal cramps.

It was concluded that the Golden Heart Inn lacked adequate food safety procedures for events and concerns were also raised regarding cooling and reheating practices for such events.

Cllr Carole Topple, Cotswold District Council’s cabinet member for housing and communities, said: “This highlights the importance of food business operators having suitable documented food safety procedures in place, covering all aspects of related activities, to ensure that the food they place on the market is safe.”

If you or a loved one has suffered food poisoning due to poor hygiene standards, our illness solicitors could help you claim compensation. Visit our Food Poisoning Claims page for more information.

Expert Opinion

Our work on behalf of people affected by illness in the UK and abroad means we see regularly the adverse effects that outbreaks of this nature can have on all of those affected. <br/> <br/>"As a result, it is welcome to see steps taken to ensure those responsible for food safety failings have been held to account, with such examples often proving vital in demonstrating the importance of adhering to food hygiene standards. <br/> <br/>"Caterers and businesses involved in the preparation and serving of food need to recognise the responsibilities they have in ensuring that the necessary standards are met. <br/> <br/>"An incident of this nature demonstrates the impact that failing to comply with the relevant standards can have and it is vital that lessons are learned from this which will prevent further outbreaks in the future." Amandeep Dhillon - Partner