Entree relish ‘most likely source’ of crippling gastro during Anzac Day lunch at Melbourne Cricket Ground

Victoria’s health department has identified the likely offending ingredient after dozens of guests became violently ill at an AFL function.

A dodgy relish served atop an entree at an Anzac Day AFL function was the likely cause of a violent outbreak of gastrointestinal illness, Victoria’s health department says.

One staff member and 37 guests fell ill at the Essendon Football Club’s president’s lunch in the Olympic Room at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on April 25.

The state’s chief health officer Dr Brett Sutton said the subsequent three-month investigation included testing of food and ingredients on the menu that day.

“Based on all available evidence, illness was more likely to have been due to consumption of food rather than as a result of chemical or other environmental exposure,” Dr Sutton said in a statement today.

“The evidence gathered during the investigation, however, revealed that the most likely source of illness was the relish which was served with the entree of rabbit, chicken and pork terrine.”

Samples of the terrine and components of the relish were tested.

However, Dr Sutton said there were “no definitive results as to the specific cause” of the widespread sickness.

Council environmental officers visited the venue to ensure a thorough clean-up had occurred and worked in collaboration with Department of Health and Human Services officers to try to identify what had sparked the outbreak.

Paramedics treated dozens of fainting and vomiting patrons who became ill within minutes of eating the food.

Seven of them were transported to hospital for treatment in the emergency department.

Despite their “rapid” onset of symptoms, none were admitted to hospital, Dr Sutton said.

Function guests included Governor of Victoria Linda Dessau, AFL boss Gillon McLachlan and Essendon legend Kevin Sheedy.

AFL boss Gillon McLachlan was all smiles at the game, unlike many of his fellow lunch guests. Picture: Julian Smith/AAP

A total of 109 guests and staff were interviewed as part of the health department investigation, which has since been completed.

“As this was an isolated incident and no issues were found with food processes, there is no ongoing risk to the public and no further action is required,” Dr Sutton said.

“There are often many limitations in foodborne disease outbreak investigations, so it is not unusual for an investigation such as this to result in an inconclusive outcome.”

The lunch wasn’t the only bad news for Essendon that day, with Collingwood 10.13 (73) taking the round six win over the Bombers 10.9 (69).