Blue Lemon Acai at Wahroonga closed while authorities probe 45 cases of food-borne illness

The government has shut down a Sydney acai takeaway business after 45 people claim they fell ill with food poisoning after eating food from there.

About 45 people are ill – three of whom have gone to hospital – allegedly with food poisoning after eating frozen acai desserts from a north shore takeaway business.

The outbreak of illness prompted the Minns government on Friday to serve Blue Lemon Acai in Wahroonga a prohibition order, with the business shut down until further notice.

NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty said the order followed the NSW Food Authority receiving 27 formal complaints alleging “foodborne illness symptoms” after consuming “acai-based frozen desserts”.

Ms Moriarty said the government was aware of reports alleging up to 45 people becoming ill, “with three indicating they attended hospital”.

Acai bowls have become a favourite healthy treat, but 45 people allege they became ill after eating the frozen dessert from Blue Lemon Acai in Wahroonga. File picture: Supplied

“In the interests of public safety, a prohibition order was issued today by my department through the NSW Food Authority on the Wahroonga located business Blue Lemon Acai, following a large number of complaints by customers alleging food-borne illness symptoms after consuming acai-based frozen desserts,” she said.

“The order was put in place to reduce any further public health impact and will close the facility until further notice.”

The complaints centred on purchases from September 11 to 18, she said.

Ms Moriarty also said Ku-Ring-Gai Council had advised her department that it had no record of the business having been approved to operate from its location.

Blue Lemon Acai in Wahroonga has been closed until further notice. Picture: Supplied

Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty. Picture Gaye Gerard

Blue Lemonade Acai is a small takeaway store that sells acai-based food items, acai smoothies and a small range of baked pastries.

There is also another store located at Gordon – also the north shore – which will now also be inspected by the council.

The government has urged anyone with symptoms to contact North Sydney Local Health District, and advised that they can make a complaint to the NSW Food Authority.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development compliance officers inspected and sampled the Wahroonga Blue lemon Acai on September 18.

The Daily Telegraph understands the inspection showed deficiencies in compliance with food standards including food hygiene, food processing, and inadequate handwashing facilities.

Results of food and environmental sampling are expected in 9-10 days.

North Sydney Local Health District is continuing to interview complainants and encouraging them to submit a clinical sample.

Under the NSW Food Regulation Partnership, Councils are responsible for routine inspections of retail food businesses for compliance with food safety standards.

DPIRD is leading the investigation and enforcement action against this business as the incident involves multiple allegations of foodborne illness.

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Originally published as Blue Lemon Acai at Wahroonga closed while authorities probe 45 cases of food-borne illness