Legal action flagged after food poisoning
A Canberra legal firm says it has been approached by more than 20 people who want to pursue compensation, after eating at a Canberra restaurant linked to a large outbreak of food poisoning.
More than 140 people became ill after eating at The Copa Brazilian Churrasco restaurant in Dickson at the weekend.
Fifteen people were admitted to hospital for treatment.
ACT Health found salmonella bacteria in the mayonnaise used at the eatery.
Aulich Civil Law says it intends to launch a class action to recover compensation for affected customers but details of the claim are yet to be revealed.
Gerard Rees, from the law firm Slater and Gordon, says affected patients have also approached his firm about claiming compensation.
"Firstly there is general damages for pain and suffering," he said.
Mr Rees says other entitlements that could be pursued include economic loss for time away from work and medical expenses.
ACT Chief health officer Dr Paul Kelly says the restaurant has been cooperating with the investigation and could reopen within days.
"Now that we've really fingered the problem, we can actually work with them towards that in the coming days," he said.
"There are still a few issues to sort through but they're keen to open and we're keen for them to open as well once we've sorted out some of these issues."
Dr Kelly says the use of raw eggs in restaurant food can be a problem.
"There are products on the market that pasteurise eggs, that may lead to a slightly less 'foody' answer to the problem, but it's certainly safer," he said.
"When you're making mayonnaise at home then you're taking your own risk. When you're making six litres at a time using 30 raw eggs, then you just increase the chances I think to an unacceptable level. It's a common practice in many restaurants across Australia."
ACT Health is also investigating a second unrelated food poisoning outbreak at an unnamed venue in Canberra's south.
It says more than 90 patrons came down with gastroenteritis but their symptoms were not severe.
Three people linked to the second eatery sought medical help.
Source: ABC News, 18 May 2013
