Public health authorities in Wales have confirmed that 43 individuals suffered acute food poisoning following a Sunday lunch service at a local establishment, with the meat served during the meal identified as the likely source of the widespread contamination.
The investigation into the incident, which saw dozens of customers fall ill within hours of eating, has definitively linked the outbreak to the bacterium *Clostridium perfringens*.
Confirmed Cause and Source
Public Health Wales (PHW) confirmed the total number of individuals affected stands at 43. The investigation focused rapidly on the food preparation and handling practices at the venue, concluding that the Sunday lunch meat was the probable vehicle for the bacteria.
*Clostridium perfringens* is a common cause of foodborne illness, typically associated with meat dishes, stews, or gravies that are prepared in large quantities and then allowed to cool slowly or kept warm for extended periods before serving. These conditions allow the bacteria, which produces toxins, to multiply rapidly.
Scope of the Illness
Customers who consumed the meal reported experiencing severe symptoms, including acute sickness and diarrhoea, shortly after dining. The scale of the outbreak prompted immediate intervention from environmental health officers.
The incident also included a notable case highlighting the extreme level of contamination: one customer who took leftovers home in a container—commonly referred to as a ‘doggy bag’—reported that their dog subsequently fell ill after consuming the food. This detail underscored the virulence of the bacterial presence in the contaminated meal.
Ongoing Investigation
While the immediate cause of the illness has been established as *Clostridium perfringens*, authorities are continuing their inquiries to determine the precise point of failure in the food chain.
The investigation is now focusing on the establishment’s food handling protocols, storage temperatures, and the integrity of its meat supply chain to ascertain whether the contamination originated during preparation at the venue or through issues with sourcing and delivery.
