Anger over payout for Fat Duck food poisoning

Heston Blumenthal has received £200,000 compensation following a food-poisoning outbreak at his three-Michelin-starred Fat Duck restaurant.

An article in UK newspaper the Daily Mail's website (www.dailymail.co.uk) reported that insurers paid out the sum as a reimbursement for business lost last February, after a norovirus outbreak saw more than 500 diners struck down by the bug.

The outbreak resulted in a two-week closure of Blumenthal’s famous restaurant in Berkshire, UK, while environmental health officials investigated.

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) released details of its investigation earlier this month, revealing that the cause of the food poisoning outbreak was contaminated shellfish.

The report noted weaknesses in cleaning methods at the restaurant, stating that razor clams had been inappropriately handled or prepared.

The Daily Mail added that news of the insurance payout had angered customers affected by the bug, who are apparently still fighting the restaurant for compensation.