Blumenthal apologises but denies responsibility for Fat Duck poisoning

Heston Blumenthal has denied responsibility for the norovirus outbreak that potentially poisoned 500 diners at his Fat Duck​ restaurant in Bray, and has personally invited each diner back for a complimentary meal.

The three Michelin-starred chef sent a personal letter this morning to diners who complained of sickness and diarrhoea as a result of eating at The Fat Duck in February, in which he apologised for his lack of communication and claimed he was legally bound to remain silent until the factual and legal situation was clear.

“I am relieved to be able to finally offer my fullest apologies to all those who were affected by the outbreak at The Fat Duck,” he said. “It was extremely frustrating to not be allowed to personally apologise to my guests until now… but I was advised by the official bodies carrying out the investigation, our lawyers and insurers that I could not do so.

“It was devastating to me and my whole team the affects of February this year, as it was to many of our guests and I wish to invite them all to return to The Fat Duck at their convenience.

“I have spent my entire adult life trying to create a dining experience that would delight and entertain my guests and my whole team are focused on this one aim. It was deeply upsetting to all of us that their enjoyment of The Fat Duck was not as we had intended it to be.”

Earlier this month, the Health Protection Agency​ (HPA) published its report on the cause of the norovirus outbreak at The Fat Duck, blaming raw oysters and shellfish contaminated with human sewage at source.

Since its publication, reports have surfaced that several diners, including TV presenter Jim Rosenthal, would be taking legal action against an ‘unapologetic’ Blumenthal.

However, a spokesperson for The Fat Duck said today that the restaurant would not be accepting responsibility for the incident.

“The Fat Duck is not liable,” she said. “The HPA report makes it very clear that the cause of the infection and illness in our customers was the contamination of oysters that we obtained in good faith from our reputable supplier. We were one of several restaurants that suffered as a result.”

The restaurant has said its insurers, Axa, are continuing to investigate the situation with the supplier and local water authority.

Heston Blumenthal's letter to his diners:​

Dear Sir/Madam

I am writing to you regarding your visit to my restaurant, The Fat Duck earlier this year.

I am so sorry that I have not been able to write before. I have wanted to contact you personally for many months, ever since the problem first emerged. But I was advised by the official bodies carrying out the investigation, our lawyers and insurers that I could not do so until both the factual and legal situation had been established.

We all thought that the HPA report would come in months ago, but it was held up by the swine flu outbreak. Now that the report has finally been released I can at last apologise personally.

I am so very sorry that you or any of your guests had a bad experience in anyway in my restaurant,The Fat Duck.  I have spent my entire adult life trying to create a dining experience that would delight and entertain my guests and my whole team are focused on this one aim. It was deeply upsetting to all of us that your enjoyment of The Fat Duck was not as we had intended it to be.

Irrelevant of the outcome of reports or advice it was always my intention, as I made clear at the outset, to invite anyone affected by the unfortunate incident earlier this year, back to the restaurant as my guest.  I would be delighted if you would consider returning to The Fat Duck at a time that is convenient for you.   Please contact my assistant Deborah who will assist with your reservation.  If this is not appropriate to you personally, please contact us and we will address each individual situation with our insurers.

Once again please accept my sincerest apologies

Kindest regards

Heston Blumenthal