Bulmers praises staff handling of legionnaires' scare

Bulmers has praised staff who rallied round to maintain production during the legionnaires' disease scare at the cider maker.

Twenty-three cases of the respiratory illness have been confirmed in Hereford, with two deaths. Public health watchdogs have focused their investigation on an evaporation tower at Bulmers' Plough Lane factory.

Tests confirmed the presence of the legionella bug that causes the disease in the tower, which is used to concentrate apple juice used in making Bulmers' cider brands. These include Strongbow, Scrumpy Jack and Woodpecker.

Company spokesman George Thomas said: "Throughout this, our overwhelming priority has been the safety of the public and our staff."

He said there has been a 100 per cent turnout by staff, despite obvious concerns, during the final week of Bulmers' busiest time of year, when the apple harvest is processed.

Mr Thomas said: "The public health authorities have assured us that there is no possibility of any contamination of products, so as far as possible it has been business as usual."

The evaporation tower has been disinfected and will not be reopened until the all-clear is given.

Environmental health officers from Herefordshire Council have tested other premises in the area, with no other sources of the bug identified.

Dr Brian McCloskey of the Health Protection Agency said the normal incubation period of legionnaires' is between two days and several weeks. No new cases have been reported in almost a week, and if that continues the all-clear will be given when the incubation period has passed.

Related articles:​

Hereford legionnaires' outbreak spreads (17 November 2003)

Bulmers in legionnaires' disease scare (13 November 2003)