DINER DEATH: Health officials investigating after woman eats out at top restaurant in Spain

AN investigation has been opened after a 46-year-old woman died after eating out at a leading restaurant in Spain.

The woman’s husband and 12-year-old son were also taken ill suffering from vomiting and diarrhoea according to health officials in Valencia.

The Ministry of Health has opened an investigation to determine the cause of the death and ten other cases that were reported are recovering favourably.

Health minister, Ana Barcelo, said a first inspection has been made in the restaurant and ‘it seems that everything is normal’ and now analytical tests are being carried out the food products.

The woman died at her home in the early hours of Sunday after dining out the previous.

Local media reports suggest that the diners had eaten a dish of rice and mushrooms, part of a tasting menu, before being taken ill.

Bernd H. Knöller, the German owner of the restaurant, which features in the Michelin and Repsol good food guides, issued a statement saying: “Faced with the facts of which I have knowledge through the health authorities of the Generalitat Valenciana, which relate to the restaurant that I own, the RIFF, with various gastric affections in several restaurant customers, and even with the death of one of them, I have to state the following:

“From the first moment I have lent all my collaboration with the Department of Health for the clarification of the facts, hoping that as soon as possible the causes of what happened can be established.

“From the first investigations and inspections carried out, it was found that the restaurant complies with all sanitary regulations while awaiting the results of the tests carried out.

“Regardless of the reason that may have caused this situation, I want to convey my deep regret for what happened, hoping that soon all these facts can be clarified.

“I have made the decision that the restaurant remains closed until the causes of what happened are established and the activity can be resumed with full guarantees for both staff and all customers.”

Ante las informaciones que están saliendo en los medios de comunicación, quiero difundir este comunicado: https://t.co/o0sFYNnO97

— Bernd H. Knöller (@RestauranteRiFF) February 19, 2019