THE investigation team that looked into a major outbreak of food poisoning publishes its report today.

More than 100 people were believed to have fallen prey to salmonella in the Derwentside area of County Durham during the summer.

Dr Anne Low, director of public health for Derwentside Primary Care Trust, said: "The co-ordinated efforts of the agencies involved quickly identified and investigated the outbreak, and effective measures were put in place to protect the public's health."

The only potential source of the food bug that health investigators uncovered was contaminated meat sold by Robson's Fresh Foods, in Front Street, Stanley.

The first cases of the food bug were reported in late July. It nearly claimed the life of Brian Hume, 66, who needed an emergency operation to clear a blockage in his intestine after the infection took hold.

The outbreak was declared over in mid-August when the last case of the salmonella infection was reported.

The popular pie shop believed to be the source of infection was closed down by Derwentside District Council in July and is yet to reopen.

Dr Low said: "The outbreak of salmonella infection in July and August was large, affecting 88 confirmed cases.

"It resulted in some people being hospitalised, but, fortunately, everyone recovered."

The multi-agency Outbreak Control Team that led the investigation has spent the past three months working on a report into the incident.

Its findings will be presented at the Derwentside trust's monthly board meeting, which takes place at 9.30am in Crookhall Community Centre, near Consett.

Dr Low said: "The primary care trust, Derwentside District Council, the Health Protection Agency and other individual agencies involved will consider the report.

"We are committed to identifying learning points and recommendations to continue to strengthen local health protection arrangements."