A popular takeaway açai cafe in Sydney has been temporarily closed after dozens of customers reportedly fell ill with food poisoning.
On Friday, state health authorities gave Blue Lemon Acai in Wahroonga a prohibition order, forcing the business to close until further notice.
Some 45 people are believed to have been affected by the outbreak after buying ice cream from the cafe in the north of the city over the past two weeks.
The businessmen said they are evaluating the complaints.
“We have been operating in Wahroonga for 10 years and are very proud to serve our friends and local community the healthy products we make with love every day,” they said in a statement reported by the The Telegraph newspaper.
“We are devastated by the news of people falling ill and have conducted a full review of the situation, including with our suppliers.”
The owners said they were aware of 16 complaints, although some appeared to come from “fake” accounts.
NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty said the government was aware of 45 reports claiming people had fallen ill after eating at the business. Three of them had needed hospital treatment, she said.
On Friday, state health authorities issued a ban order for Blue Lemon Acai in Wahroonga (pictured), forcing the business to close until further notice.
“In the interests of public safety, my department through the New South Wales Food Authority has issued a prohibition order on the Blue Lemon Acai business located in Wahroonga,” Moriarty said in a statement.
‘(This) comes in the wake of a large number of complaints from customers who claim symptoms of foodborne illness after consuming açai-based frozen desserts.
‘The order was implemented to reduce any further impact on public health and will close the facility until further notice.’
Acai is made from powdered acai berries native to Brazil that are blended with frozen fruit, often banana and blueberries, to form an ice cream-like dessert.
Equipment that resembles traditional soft serve ice cream machines is also often used.
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) officials took samples from the store and results are expected in 10 days.
It is standard practice for local councils to carry out food safety inspections, but the DPIRD is handling this case because it involves a suspected outbreak of a foodborne illness.
Acai is made from berries native to Brazil that are ground up and mixed with frozen fruit to make a dessert similar to ice cream but “healthier” (file image)
It is not known what the suspected contaminant is, but those who have reported being ill are speaking to doctors and the North Sydney Local Health District has asked other potentially affected people to send samples.
The investigation is ongoing and no penalties or violations have been issued against the company.
The closure notice will likely remain in effect until the investigation is completed.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Blue Lemon Acai for comment.
