Norovirus outbreak at Taiko Ponsonby restaurant, food safety rating demoted from ‘A’ to ‘D’

• Auckland restaurant Taiko Ponsonby’s food safety rating has been demoted from A to D.
• 22 people have reported norovirus infection symptoms, with investigations by Auckland Council and New Zealand Food Safety ongoing.
• Taiko spokesman says: “why should we apologise? ... We did not create the virus.”

An Auckland restaurant under investigation after diners became so ill some reportedly had to call an ambulance has had its food safety rating demoted from “A” to “D”.

The National Public Health Service has confirmed a norovirus outbreak associated with Taiko restaurant in Ponsonby.

New Zealand Food Safety says such outbreaks in food service businesses are typically related to an “infected food handler”.

Taiko Ponsonby was open when the Herald visited on Tuesday evening, but no customers were inside. Photo / NZME

Auckland Council told the Herald the rating at the Japanese restaurant was changed after a recent visit by the council alongside Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).

“Taiko was issued with a notice which will be reflected with a change in grade to a D.

“For procedural reasons we are unable to share details around the reasons for the D grade at present.”

The rating drop comes after 12 one-star reviews referencing food poisoning were put on the restaurant’s Google page in the past four days.

A woman, who didn’t want her name used, said her family became unwell after they dined at Taiko Ponsonby on January 28 while celebrating the Lunar New Year.

“The next day, we experienced severe food poisoning, including internal bleeding, vomiting and diarrhoea.

“A few other customers had to call the ambulance for help.”

She reported the issues to the restaurant but described the response as “very disappointing”.

“They have denied any wrongdoing, and are only offering a discount for the next purchase at Taiko, which from this incident we will never go again, and have refused to offer any compensation for loss or damages suffered.”

She believed the response showed a disregard for the health of Taiko’s customers.

The response from Japanese restaurant Taiko Ponsonby after a customer complained of food poisoning after dining.

One Google reviewer claimed they “paid $115 for poison” at the restaurant.

“After eating here, we are suffering from severe headaches, stomach aches, and diarrhoea.

“My partner has already reported this problem and I am so angry that I am writing this. I hope there will be no more victims.”

Another reviewer said they had “severe food poisoning” after dining on January 28.

“Has lasted the entire week and still not recovered fully. Very bad gastro.”

New Zealand Food Safety’s (NZFS) deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle confirmed it had been informed of a norovirus outbreak associated with Taiko Ponsonby by the National Public Health Service.

“The National Public Health Service, NZFS and the registering authority, Auckland Council, are investigating. Food safety officers have been on site at the restaurant,” Arbuckle said.

“Through this process, it will be determined what happened and we will put in place any corrective actions, if required.”

National Public Health Service medical officer of health, Dr Jay Harrower, said it was notified of a gastroenteritis outbreak linked to a central Auckland restaurant.

“Twenty-two people have reported symptoms to-date, all of whom visited the restaurant between 26th and 28th January. The cause of the illness has been identified as norovirus infection,” Harrower said.

“Norovirus is an infectious disease that causes vomiting and diarrhoea. People usually get symptoms one to two days after being infected with the virus, and these typically last two to three days.

“You can catch norovirus by eating contaminated food or water, or by touching contaminated surfaces. You can also catch it by breathing in droplets from a person who has vomited.”

The National Public Health Service says 22 people have reported symptoms to-date after eating from Taiko Ponsonby. Photo / NZME

Harrower said norovirus sufferers were usually infectious until three days after symptoms stop. Good hand hygiene was important to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.

“Most people with norovirus can recover safely at home. If you have symptoms be sure to rest and drink plenty of fluids.

“You should see your healthcare provider if you have bloody diarrhoea or a fever or if your symptoms have not gone away after seven days. You can also call Healthline on 0800 611 116.”

In a statement to NZME yesterday, Taiko Ponsonby said it was “fully co-operating” with ongoing investigations being conducted by NZFS, MPI, Health New Zealand, and Auckland Council.

“As the investigation is still in progress, we will not be making any statements or providing any reports until the official findings are released.”

When the Herald called the eatery’s spokesman on Tuesday about the demoted food safety rating, he declined further comment.

Asked if the restaurant would apologise to affected customers, he said; “If we are not in the wrong, why should we apologise? ... We did not create the virus.”

The spokesman offered a similar response when asked if affected customers would receive compensation.

“I don’t want to continue this type of fruitless dialogue,” the man said before hanging up.

Auckland Council said the new rating would be visible on its website tomorrow.

Currently, its website shows the restaurant has an “A” food grade rating, but it expired on December 13, 2024.

Auckland Council said the restaurant was last verified on January 23, and the council has received no prior complaints about Taiko.

Jaime Lyth is a multimedia journalist for the New Zealand Herald focusing on crime and breaking news. Lyth began working under the Herald masthead in 2021 as a reporter for the Northern Advocate in Whangārei.

Benjamin Plummer is an Auckland-based reporter who covers breaking news. He has worked for the Herald since 2022.