Serious food poisoning outbreak at Spon Street restaurant 'left people in hospital'

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Mr Mohammed Naveed, of Palm by H20, has been fined by Coventry City Council



A Coventry business has been fined after nearly 30 people suffered serious food poisoning. Diners became 'very ill' after eating at Palm by H20, where hygiene controls were lacking and cross-contamination risks were ignored.

In June 2024, 29 people reported developing gastrointestinal symptoms after eating at Palm by H20 on Spon Street. Some experienced blood in their stools, vomiting, fainting, and fever, with several being hospitalised.

Coventry City Council launched a major investigation with the UK Health Security Agency. Tests showed that 17 of 18 collected stool samples contained the same strain of Salmonella, previously unreported in the UK.

Inspectors visited Palm by H20 and observed poor hygiene practices, including inadequate hand washing and insufficient training. Staff also lacked awareness of the risks associated with storing and handling raw meat, allowing food to become contaminated.

Owner Mohammed Naveed agreed to voluntarily close Palm by H20 until food safety standards were improved. Inspectors downgraded its hygiene rating from the top score of 5 to just 1.

Mr Naveed applied for a rescoring, and with the improved conditions maintained, Palm by H20 was awarded a five-star rating in August 2024. Officers returned on January 14 this year and confirmed that high standards had been upheld, retaining the top rating.

However, the food poisoning outbreak has had a profound and lasting impact on those affected. Several individuals are still dealing with ongoing physical and mental health effects from their diagnoses.

Mr Naveed pleaded guilty to multiple food safety offences at Coventry Magistrates' Court in September. He appeared for sentencing at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on December 9.

Palm by H20 Ltd was fined £10,000 and ordered to pay costs of £10,186, along with a £2,000 victim surcharge. Mr Naveed was fined £6,500 and also ordered to pay £10,186 in costs and a £2,000 victim surcharge.

Davina Blackburn, Strategic Lead for Regulation and Communities, said: “We take a staged approach to enforcement, and prosecution is a matter of last resort. Wherever possible, officers will always try to work with businesses, offering advice and guidance, but will take the necessary actions if they feel there is a risk to health."

https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/serious-food-poisoning-outbreak-coventry-33058760