Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
HARD TO STOMACH
Furious victims of Hepatitis A outbreak that swept Monklands hit out in disgust after bakery linked to source of epidemic wins two national awards. For them it’s so...
Outraged victims of the Hepatitis A epidemic that hit Monklands last year have reacted with fury after the Airdrie bakery linked to the outbreak won two national awards.
Exactly a year on from voluntarily closing its doors to allow for a weekendlong Environmental Health Board investigation, JB Christie’s took home national gold and regional silver prizes for its celebration cake and cream ring products at the prestigious Scottish baker of the year awards.
There were more than 60 confirmed cases of viral infection Hepatitis A following the outbreak, with a number of people hospitalised.
Though Christie’s was subsequently given the all-clear to re-open, at this point the origin of the outbreak remains unproven.
However, victims whose lives have been ‘ruined’ by the infectious disease contacted the Advertiser to voice their anger over Christie’s success.
One man, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “I was absolutely disgusted to hear that Christie’s had been nominated for these national awards – never mind them actually y winning.
“I was off my work for r several months and could d barely move. My son missed important exams because of it.
“I was pretty fit but still lost four stones, the weight just fell off me. My life has been ruined by this and the last year has been a total nightmare.
“I’ve never felt so bad and it will take a long time for me to get over this if indeed I ever do.
“When there are still so many people who believe they [Christie’s] were the source of the outbreak, it’s sickening to see them celebrating.”
A female hepatitis victim, who also asked not to be named, said: “I think it’s absolutely disgraceful.
“If I was in charge of that company, I wouldn’t be entering or accepting any awards on the back of what happened.
“Does Christie’s owner actually realise the full extent of the outbreak and the massive impact it had on a huge number of people?”
The woman continued: “When I was diagnosed I couldn’t even stand up. It was terrifying. My bood counts were erratic and I was hospitalised for days. I
had scans, tests and a liver biopsy biopsy. Doctors were really concerned Doctors were really concerned and put me on a high dosage of steroids.
“I had no life; I couldn’t go out, not even to walk my dog as I had no energy.
“My family went through hell too, not just because of seeing what it was doing to me, but they also had to have tests done.”
And the hepatitis didn’t just take a physical toll. The woman went on: “I had to take quite a bit of time off work and was subsequently made redundant in December, although I’m not saying the two are linked.
“Looking for another job proved very difficult as I had to be up front in interviews that I was on steroids.
“I am an honest person and didn’t want to mislead anyone, so I decided to put finding a new job on the back burner until I was off the steroids.
“I came off them six weeks ago but have felt a real lull in my energy levels since doing so.
“Thankfully my bloods are doing better but the doctors want to monitor me for a further two years.”
Scottish Bakers’ chief executive Alasdair Smith defended his organisation’s decision to recognise the Airdrie- based bakH bakery.
He said: “Christie’s products rec received more than 300 votes in the competition and this gained their products’ entry into the judging day.
“Judging is totally blind and independently audited and, as such, the Christie’s products were singled out for recognition and were truly the best in class, as voted for by customers and a panel of experts.”
He continued: “In relation to the Hepatitis A outbreak, our understanding is that JB Christie cooperated fully with the investigation and went above and beyond to ensure that if the outbreak had originated at the bakery – and let me be clear that the origin of the outbreak hasn’t been proven – all necessary steps were taken to ensure that both containment and future-proofing measures were taken and these remain in place to this day.
“While we extend our sympathy to your readers who were affected, we would like to point out that some 7500 customers per week are fully behind this great local business which is working hard to rebuild its reputation so it can continue to offer great bakery products in its community and employment to some 50 staff.
“We are confident JB Christie’s are a worthy winner and have earned their place amongst the best bakery products in the land.”
Laura McGee, solicitor at NewLaw Scotland who is representing the victims of the hepatitis outbreak, said: “The Hepatitis A outbreak has had devastating consequences for lots of people in and around the local area. Many victims are still unwell and receiving treatment.
“Our specialist team at NewLaw Scotland are pursuing claims against JB Christie on behalf of victims of the outbreak to ensure they receive the compensation they are entitled to for lost wages and the pain and suffering they have endured.
“If you have been affected and have not already spoken to us, you can call us on 0333 003 0655.”
JB Christie owner Andrew Chisholm failed to respond to our request for a comment on the reaction to his firm’s win.
Dr Femi Oshin, NHS Lanarkshire consultant in public health medicine, said: “A full report into the outbreak will be published in the near future.”
Does Christie’s owner actually realise the full extent of the outbreak and its impact?