Fat Duck staff worked with norovirus

Heston Blumenthal's Fat Duck restaurant has been criticised by the Health Protection Agency after six members of staff were found to have been infected with norovirus.

The TV chef took the decision to temporarily close the Michelin-starred eatery last month after about 40 customers reported feeling unwell. The figure increased to 529 as investigations into the cause of the health scare took place.

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) yesterday confirmed that six members of staff and eight customers had been infected with the virus, known as the "winter vomiting bug". It went on to criticise the restaurant for allowing staff to cook food or serve meals while they were ill.

However, the Fat Duck denied that it had been negligent in allowing sick staff to work. "We are pleased that the HPA has identified a potential source as its tests have shown that some staff and customers carried the norovirus," a spokesperson said.

"While the source of this virus is nearly impossible to identify, if a member of staff returned to work while still carrying it then they did so unaware they either had the virus or were still contagious."