Home / Disasters and Accidents / Brooklyn Hotel Blamed for Wedding Sickness Outbreak
Brooklyn Hotel Blamed for Wedding Sickness Outbreak
25 Aug
Summary
- Bride and groom among over a quarter of guests sickened by norovirus.
- Lawsuit alleges kitchen staffer's illness caused food contamination.
- Health investigation cited sanitation deficiencies and lack of hand soap.
A couple's wedding reception on November 30, 2024, at The Box House Hotel in Brooklyn led to a significant norovirus outbreak. The bride and groom, along with more than a quarter of the 112 guests, reportedly fell ill with debilitating gastrointestinal symptoms. The couple incurred approximately $30,000 for the event.
A state lawsuit filed by the groom alleges that a kitchen staffer suffering from norovirus contaminated the food served. The affected menu items included prosciutto, macaroni-and-cheese croquettes, and a "seasonal crumble" dessert. Stool samples from the couple tested positive for norovirus.
A subsequent investigation by the New York City Department of Health identified "multiple deficiencies" in the hotel's food-safety practices. Notably, inspectors found no hand soap in the kitchen. The hotel has stated they cooperated with the investigation and retrained staff on hygiene protocols.
