Restaurant faces court action on salmonella

By Susan Clark

An edinburgh restaurant is facing legal action after 20 solicitors and bankers allegedly contracted Salmonella Group D while eating there.

Le Bistro Bar in William Street was closed for two days last month after the guests were struck down with the food poisoning.

Eric Robinson, head of services in Edinburgh council's environmental and consumer services department, said the poisoning has been traced back to an egg-related product.

"There is a common denominator pointing at an egg dish," said Mr Robinson. "We are still investigating, but there have been 14 confirmed cases so far."

The bankers and solicitors were guests of accountancy firm Kidson Impey, which invited clients and associates to a corporate entertainment event.

"We were all gathered to watch the Sweden v Scotland football match," says Allan Fitzgerald, managing director of Fish Merchants Credit Management. "More than 20 were infected and some were hospitalised.

"I was out of action for 10 days. I have instructed my solicitor to sue for discomfort and loss of earnings."

Kidson Impey is also consulting its lawyers over the incident.

Meanwhile, the restaurant has denied responsibility. "We have been cleared by the health and safety department," claimed Richard Sim, manager of Le Bistro Bar. "The whole situation has been blown out of proportion."