Leeds restaurant helping sickness bug probe

Leeds City Council and Public Health England are carrying out an inquiry into the outbreak of illness in the Garforth area of the city.

It is understood that at least two dozen people have reported becoming unwell with diarrhoea and vomiting, including one person who it is thought needed hospital treatment.

A spokesperson for Public Health England said: “Public Health England is working with Leeds City Council to investigate reports of illness potentially linked to a restaurant in east Leeds, after a number of reports were received of people suffering diarrhoea and vomiting symptoms.

“Leeds City Council Environmental Health Officers have visited the premises to investigate and assess compliance with food safety legislation.

“No source has been identified to date and investigations are ongoing.”

Coun Mark Dobson (Ind, Garforth and Swillington) told the Yorkshire Evening Post that he was unable to name the restaurant involved due to the investigation but had urged residents to ask restaurants they planned to visit whether there had been any issues. However a number of customers who visited the Garforth branch of the Aagrah restaurant reported on social media that they or family members had become ill recently after eating 
there.

In a statement, however, Wasim Aslam, manager of the branch, told the Yorkshire Evening Post: “Aagrah sympathise with those affected.

“Our greatest priority is to ensure the safety of all of the food we serve, and to maintain customers’ confidence.

“As soon as we were aware of the situation we were proactive and contacted the Environmental Health office immediately.

“While no cause has yet been identified by investigating health officials, Aagrah continues to work swiftly and thoroughly with health department officials as they look to conclude this 
investigation.”