The operator of Tangs Oriental buffet restaurant, in Eagle Lane, Bracknell, pleaded guilty to four food safety offences on April 10 at Reading Magistrates court, and were fined a total of £25,000.
The company was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £10,000, plus costs of £9,965.50.
The food business cooperated fully with the Public Protection Partnership during the course of the investigation and complied with legal requirements to improve their food safety management procedures.
Subsequent food hygiene inspections have found satisfactory standards were being maintained, and on 17 April the restaurant was awarded a food hygiene rating of 5 (Very good).
In December 2024, a senior environmental health officer at the Public Protection Partnership noted an unusually high number of cases of Salmonella enteriditis had been reported to Bracknell Forest Council by the UK Health Security Agency.
Further investigations found that seven people confirmed to have the illness had eaten at Tangs Oriental Buffet Restaurant on 2 December 2024. Three of those affected were hospitalised as result.
Formal samples taken by the investigating officer found traces of Salmonella enteriditis at the restaurant matched the bacteria that had caused the food poisoning outbreak.
Councillor Iskandar Jefferies, the cabinet member with responsibility for Public Protection said “This was an extremely serious case in which a number of people became ill having eaten at a local restaurant.
“Whilst our aim is to advise, assist and work with food businesses to ensure the safety of consumers, we will always seek to take necessary action where officers identify food business failings that put consumers at risk of harm.
“The business worked constructively with officers throughout the investigation and responded positively to the findings.
“Clear steps were taken to strengthen food safety management arrangements. The award of a food hygiene rating of 5 reflects the improvements made, and provides reassurance that necessary food safety controls are now in place.”
