MCG Anzac Day lunch ‘food poisoning’ investigation ongoing

The mystery of the mass illness that caused diners to keel over at a flash $725-a-head Anzac Day pre-game lunch at the MCG has deepened.

An ambulance trolley outside the luncheon on Anzac Day. Picture: Instagram/cliffotoo

There’s still no answer as to what exactly caused 30 footy-loving diners to “drop like flies” and become violently ill during an expensive lunch on Anzac Day.

More than a month later after Essendon’s flash MCG President’s Lunch, investigators are no closer to finding out the cause.

The prime suspect, the rabbit and chicken terrine, which was served as an entree at the $725-a-head luncheon, could still be the culprit.

The Olympic Room at the MCG: Picture: MCG

But it’s looking less likely that it was the dish that caused what everyone at the time presumed to be food poisoning.

A caller told 3AW another diner became sick and he didn’t even eat the terrine.

“I’m convinced it probably wasn’t food poisoning because it does take a while and this happened quickly,” Jan told 3AW this morning.

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The Department of Health launched an immediate investigation, working with Melbourne City Council and the Melbourne Cricket Club to get to the bottom of the messy incident.

But a spokeswoman told the Herald Sun that the investigation was still “ongoing and we don’t have any new importation to report”.

However, we might not be far away from an official statement with the spokeswoman saying the investigation will be wrapped up in “coming days”.

Bombers fans had to endure illness and a close loss on Anzac Day. Photo: Scott Barbour.

Seven fans were taken to hospital after showing signs of food poisoning, with more than 20 others falling ill.

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Collingwood president Eddie McGuire was at the lunch and said he saw people “dropping like flies”.

“As we stood outside for the minute’s silence, people were fair dinkum hitting the deck left, right and centre around me. I hear collapses against the door and the windows,” he said.

“I didn’t see anyone throwing up but 14 people hit the deck before the opening bounce.”