The Telegraph reported on September 20 that about 45 people allegedly developed symptoms of food poisoning after eating frozen Brazil berry desserts from an out-of-town store in Sydney's North Beach area, and three of them have been hospitalized.
The mass poisoning incident prompted the NSW government to impose a ban on Blue Lemon Acai, a takeaway in Wahroonga on Friday, which has been ordered to close until further notice.
(Image source: The Telegraph)
NSW Agriculture Director Tara Moriarty said the NSW Food Authority issued the ban after receiving 27 formal complaints.
The complaints allege "symptoms of foodborne illness" after eating the store's "frozen Brazil berry dessert".
Moriarty said the government was aware of as many as 45 people who were allegedly experiencing symptoms, "three of whom said they were hospitalised."
"For public safety, our department, through the NSW Food Authority, today issued an injunction to Blue Lemon Acai in Wahroonga," she said. Because a large number of customers complained that they had symptoms of foodborne illness after eating frozen desserts with Brazil berries. ”
"The ban is designed to reduce further public health impacts and the store will be closed until further notice."
(Image source: The Telegraph)
Moriarty also said that the complaints were mainly focused on the food items in question that were purchased between September 11 and 18. In addition, Moriarty also revealed that the local Ku-Ring-Gai Municipality has informed her department that they do not have a record of approval for the store to operate in its location.
It is reported that Blue Lemonade Acai is a small takeaway store that mainly sells Brazil berry-based foods, Brazil berry smoothies and a small number of baked pastries.
There is another branch in Gordon (also in the North Shore area) that will now also be inspected by the city.
The government urges anyone with symptoms to contact the North Sydney Local Health District and advise they can lodge a complaint with the NSW Food Authority.
(Image source: The Telegraph)
Compliance inspection officers from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development inspected and sampled Blue lemon Acai in Wahroonga on September 18.
According to The Telegraph, inspections revealed deficiencies in the store's compliance with food standards, including food hygiene, food processing and handwashing facilities.
Results of food and environmental samples are expected within 9-10 days.
North Sydney Local Health District正继续对投诉人进行访谈，并鼓励他们提交 临床样本。
Under NSW's Food Regulation Partnership, municipalities are responsible for conducting routine inspections of retail food establishments to ensure they comply with food safety standards.
As the incident involved multiple allegations of foodborne illness, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is leading the investigation and enforcement of the enterprise.