Gosford restaurant denies it ‘poisoned’ diners with cleaning product
Coast Bar and Restaurant in Gosford has “expressly denied” accusations it poisoned members of a family with grill cleaner mistaken for vinegar.
A family claimed they were poisoned during a gathering at the venue on September 1 last year. The family, who went on Channel 9’s A Current Affair to make the allegations, said a number of family members ordered fish and chips before adding what they thought was vinegar but instead experienced immediate burning of the mouth and throat with swollen and blistered lips.
The NSW Food Authority has issued a penalty notice to the business. However, Coast Bar and Restaurant have denied all the claims in a statement.
“We regret that some members of the family did not have a satisfactory experience at our restaurant on 1 September 2018, however we continue to believe the food served to the family was perfectly safe, in conjunction with the findings of the local food inspector and the NSW Food Authority,” the statement said.
“The investigation has not revealed any food contamination from a cleaning product as has been alleged by the family and any such allegation is expressly denied,” it said.
“On the day the family attended the restaurant, two elderly members of the family complained of some discomfort and were taken by employees of Coast Bar and Restaurant to Gosford Hospital on a precautionary basis. Our employees remained there until the two members of the family were taken in for examination. The remaining ten members of the family remained at the restaurant enjoying their lunch for a couple of hours following.
“Coast Bar and Restaurant has earned a reputation on the Central Coast for serving freshly prepared food following the highest food safety standards and has had no other incident like this.
“As the matter may be the subject of further legal proceedings, it is not appropriate for us to make any further comment.”
Sheridan Randall, 20th June 2019
