A departmental investigation into a gastric illness outbreak earlier this month has cleared the Western Hotel of blame.
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The investigation by the Department of Health and Human Services exonerated the popular Sturt Street hotel after mourners at a funeral were struck down with severe stomach complaints after attending a wake at the hotel on January 5. Two of the mourners were later hospitalised.
In a statement from DHHS sent to The Courier, the hotel was clearly vindicated by the investigation.
“All the food samples tested were negative,” a DHHS spokesperson said.
“It is likely that the cause of the illness is because someone who attended the function was already ill and has passed it on to others who subsequently fell ill.”
Western Hotel owner/manager Dan Cronin said in a statement on Tuesday: “We are very relieved to have been completely exonerated by the health department from any suggestion of food poisoning.
“The health department findings of a gastro virus brought into the premises reaffirms our reputation for quality and commitment to the highest possible food safety standards.
“My staff has done an exceptional job working with our customers and now it’s business as usual at the Western,” Mr Cronin said.
The department earlier this month confirmed it had identified 24 people were reported to be ill with violent stomach cramps, vomiting and diarrhea after attending the January 5 wake.
During the investigation food samples from the hotel were collected for testing.
Only days after the outbreak, Mr Cronin said his staff was liaising closely with health authorities working on the investigation.
“We have been working hand-in-hand with the department … we have given (DHHS staff) full access to the hotel,” Mr Cronin said at the time.
He also stressed there was no ongoing risk to patrons as it was an isolated incident and was not food-related.