Deltarune fan cafe apologises after attendees report food poisoning

Deltarune fan cafe in Toronto apologised after attendees reported foodborne illnesses, linked to frozen takoyaki

A Deltarune-themed fan cafe in Toronto has apologised after attendees reported foodborne illnesses following the event, with organisers identifying the takoyaki as a particular concern.

The event, organised by Sugar Packet, took place on August 9 and was designed to bring Toby Fox’s Deltarune to life through themed food, merchandise, cosplay servers, local artists, photo opportunities and interactive activities.

However, attendees reportedly experienced overcrowding, long delays and other organisational issues during the event.

Following the cafe, Sugar Packet said it received multiple reports of foodborne illnesses from customers who had attended.

In a statement shared on Instagram, the organisers acknowledged the problems and wrote that “the Deltarune Cafe was a failure.”

 

 

 

 

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They cited unexpected increases in food prices, overcrowding, “poor crowd control” and the “last-minute pushing back of the reservations” among the issues encountered.

The organisers also addressed concerns surrounding the preparation of the takoyaki served at the event.

“We have received multiple reports of foodborne illnesses after the event. In particular from the Takoyaki,” Sugar Packet said.

According to the organisers, frozen takoyaki was stored in an ice box to thaw before being prepared and served rather than being thawed in a refrigerator.

“The Takoyaki was stored in an ice box to thaw and then served afterwards,” the statement continued.

“They had only left the freezer that morning for the first batch, and that afternoon for the second. Bags were removed from the cooler only when they were being made and swapped between shifts.”

Sugar Packet said its research had indicated that thawing the food in a refrigerator and serving it within 24 hours was safe, but acknowledged that the method used at the event did not meet customers’ expectations.

“Our research said that thawing them in a fridge and serving within 24 hours afterwards was safe, but we apologize. That is not the standard you are all looking for,” the organisers said.

Sugar Packet subsequently offered refunds to all ticket holders, regardless of whether they reported becoming ill, and said it would pause future events for the time being.