Several guests at the upscale Coco & Carmen restaurant in Stockholm fell ill with listeria after dining there on Saturday. Owner Joakim Almquist has apologized, and professors describe the outbreak as puzzling. The incident highlights risks of foodborne illnesses in Sweden.
On Saturday, October 14, several guests dined at Coco & Carmen, an upscale restaurant in central Stockholm. Among those affected are Birgit Malmcrona and Johan Backeus, who were later diagnosed with listeria poisoning. Reports indicate more people fell ill after eating there that evening.
Listeria is a bacterium that can cause serious infections, especially in vulnerable groups. A professor at Karolinska Institute describes the outbreak as puzzling, noting that listeria is rare in Sweden and typically linked to imported products or poor hygiene. 'It's unexpected to see such a cluster in a high-end restaurant', the professor told Aftonbladet.
The restaurant's co-owner Joakim Almquist responded promptly. 'We want to apologize to everyone who got sick. We take this very seriously and are cooperating with authorities', he stated. Coco & Carmen is known for its fine dining and elegant setting, with images showing a sophisticated interior and guest experiences.
Authorities are investigating the source of the bacteria, but no specific food has been identified yet. The case underscores the importance of strict hygiene protocols in the restaurant industry, even at premium venues.