Health experts put Newport civic ball chefs in clear

Health inspectors today said they had found no evidence to link the illness of dozens of high-profile guests at a civic ball at Newport's Harper Adams University College to food served at the venue.

Experts were called in after at least 20 people – including two Shropshire mayors – fell ill with sickness and diarrhoea immediately after the ball which took place at the Edgmond campus on April 28.

Some of those taken ill were bedridden for up to two days.

Samples were taken from some of the guests, but no evidence of food poisoning has yet been discovered.

University College Principal, Dr David Llewellyn, said: "We have every confidence in the quality of our award-winning catering at Harper Adams and we welcome these results.

"We are proud to hold the top rating for the standard of our catering service which was awarded by the Telford & Wrekin Environmental Health Team."

About 150 people, including the mayors of Newport, Wellington, Bridgnorth and Telford & Wrekin, attended the annual function, which included a five-course meal and entertainment.

Wellington Mayor Lesley Street and Newport Mayor Roy Scammell were taken ill.

A spokesman for Telford & Wrekin Council said experts were still probing to find the cause of the problem.

He said: "In conjunction with the Health Protection Agency we are continuing our investigation into complaints of gastro-intestinal illness associated with Newport Civic Ball held at Harper Adams University College.

"Microbiological examination of samples of food and faeces has failed to identify a causative organism at this stage."

Councillor Scammell, who organised the annual event, said he believed the illness was caused by a virus.

"The theory is that someone with the virus went to the ball and happened to spread it around," he said.

"I believe if it had been food poisoning, it would have kicked in quicker."

By Sean Wozencroft