Italian star chef Marco Sacco was sentenced on Friday March 8 to a suspended prison sentence of two months and 20 days, as well as more than 20,000 euros in compensation to be paid to the victims following food poisoning. , reports the Italian newspaper
La Repubblica
.
The restaurateur had served inedible clams in his two-star restaurant in Piedmont (Italy), Piccolo Lago, inedible clams during a wedding meal in July 2021.
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The banquet did not take place as planned, according to information from the Italian daily.
The shellfish incorporated into the clam risotto were contaminated with a norovirus, the properties of which cause gastroenteritis.
A total of 53 guests were poisoned.
The bride and groom didn't escape it either.
The cook defended himself.
“We purchased these clams that can be eaten raw, as indicated on the manufacturer's label and product data sheet.
These are clams that I have been using since 2015. Since I have had this supplier, I have served more than three thousand dishes of this type.
»
he explained to the cooking magazine Il Gusto.
21,150 euros in damages
These arguments did not find an echo before the court of Verbania (Piedmont).
The restaurateur was convicted of negligent injury and dealing in harmful foodstuffs.
The sentence will not be recorded on his criminal record.
The bride and groom will each receive compensation worth 4,000 euros, while the infected guests will receive 250 euros per person.
The chef will have to pay a total of 21,250 euros.
The room manager, Raffaella Marchetti, was sentenced to the same suspended prison sentence.
The prosecutor had requested an eight-month prison sentence for the two accused.
Brides and grooms who are wronged when their legal costs are covered could obtain additional damages.
A subsequent hearing will have to provide an answer on this point.