UBC feast leaves diners with tender tummies

Centennial Harvest Feast feeds 1,000 people using produce from UBC farm

Image | bc-150926-diners-centennial-harvest-feast02-UBC.jpg

Caption: Diners at UBC's Centennial Harvest Feast, which is described as an outdoor community feast of epic proportions. (UTown UBC)

Vancouver Coastal Health is investigating after diners at UBC's Centennial Harvest Feast(external link) complained they became ill after eating the meal on Thursday, September 24.
The event was was billed as a 100-year anniversary celebration of the school.
It was catered by UBC Food Services(external link) and AMS Conference and Catering(external link) and featured a three-course meal using local produce from the UBC Farm(external link).
Food was prepared to feed 1,000 people, who sat at tables of 20 and paid up to $30 a ticket for the meal and party.
Wine was also sold by the bottle,
Sadly afterwards some diners complained they came down with upset stomachs.

Image | Centennial Harvest Feast made me sick Facebook post

Caption: One post on Facebook from a diner at the Centennial Harvest Feast who claims they became ill after eating at the event. (Tony West Li/Facebook)

Now the school says it has asked Vancouver Coastal Health to investigate the reported illnesses.
In a letter posted on the university's web site(external link), administrators ask anyone who attended the feast and experienced or is experiencing stomach upset or diarrhea to contact Vancouver Coastal Health's Health Protection unit at 604-675-3800.
"I am very sorry and I want you to know UBC is taking this very seriously," wrote Michael White, associate vice president of campus and community planning.
Those who are still suffering symptoms today are advised to see a doctor.
In the meantime, the school says both AMS and UBC Food Services are reviewing the temperature logs and food handling practices at the event.
"Again, our whole team at UBC is sorry for this unfortunate circumstance and send our thoughts out to anyone who became ill after the event," wrote White.