The results of the Mid-Western Health Board's investigation into an outbreak of food poisoning at a Co Clare wedding have identified a dessert as the source of the salmonella. The Shannon Shamrock Hotel in Bunratty has said it will now use only pasteurised liquid eggs. It has also voluntarily reduced its catering services to breakfast for overnight guests until it conducts a thorough review of its services.
In a statement, the hotel said it was reviewing its procedures to ensure that any possibility of a recurrence of "this most unfortunate and serious incident is avoided". It aimed to erase any possible source of food contamination, from the delivery of supplies to serving food to customers.
The hotel said it "regrets the upset and inconvenience caused to the guests affected by the outbreak and wish to assure all of our guests and the general public that we will continue to implement the most stringent practices to ensure the highest food safety standards". The Mid-Western Health Board confirmed that the outbreak of salmonella at the hotel was traced to food served at the wedding reception on July 17th. Three people are still in hospital and 80 of the 170 guests who attended the wedding reported ill afterwards.
The hotel has agreed to restrict its services until it and the health board are satisfied with the results of the review of procedures.
The Mid-Western Health Board has identified 57 cases associated with a salmonella outbreak in Monks Restaurant, Ballyvaughan, Co Clare, on July 21st. Of these, 14 have been admitted to hospital. The restaurant is co-operating with the health board.