Celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal is considering taking legal
action against the company that supplied his Fat Duck restaurant
with sewage-infested seafood last year.
The contaminated oysters and razor clams sparked an outbreak of
norovirus, or winter vomiting disease, that affected more than 500
diners and closed down the three-star Michelin restaurant in
Berkshire for almost a month, costing the chef around £160,000.
Blumenthal is well known for his scientific approach to cooking
and unusual mix of ingredients which have spawned dishes such as
bacon and egg ice cream and snail porridge. He also helped roadside
restaurant Little Chef revamp its menu - leading to a turnaround in
the company's fortunes.
Blumenthal said: "The insurance company is now looking at taking
criminal action against the oyster people or the water authorities
because we had no idea we brought in oysters that were
infected."
Many affected customers are seeking compensation from the
restaurant through insurer Axa direct.