Over one hundred people sought medical care after a major listeria outbreak at the luxury restaurant Coco & Carmen in Stockholm. Final test results now point to truffles served at the establishment as the contamination source.
Stockholm environmental officials received all test samples from the upscale Östermalm district restaurant. All six different truffle samples contained high levels of listeria bacteria. The truffles had been delivered, prepared and frozen in July.
Lovisa Grimsell, a communications officer with Stockholm's environmental administration, confirmed the findings in an email statement. She said the test results clearly showed contaminated truffles caused the outbreak.
Food safety unit manager Kajsa Eriksson said authorities are tracking where the truffles were purchased and produced. They are using an international warning system for this investigation.
Eriksson explained this system allows other countries to be alerted about the contaminated product. They can then take appropriate action within their own jurisdictions.
Officials noted they haven't found any specific handling errors by the restaurant staff. The contamination existed within their operation and spread to various locations in the kitchen.
The outbreak affected dozens of diners who visited the high-end establishment. Coco & Carmen serves Nordic cuisine with premium ingredients in one of Stockholm's wealthiest neighborhoods.
This incident raises questions about food safety controls for imported luxury ingredients. Truffles typically come from specialized regions in Europe and require careful handling.
Health authorities continue monitoring the situation. They urge anyone who ate at the restaurant and experienced symptoms to contact healthcare providers.