Japan
NAGANO – Scombroid Poisoning Outbreak Affects Japanese Students
Health officials in Nagano Prefecture have reported a large outbreak of scombroid fish poisoning at three schools in the village of Hakuga. At least 46 children and staff members on December 9 were sickened.
The Nagano Prefecture education and health authorities confirmed that the incident occurred during school lunch service, with swordfish identified as the potential source of contamination. In response to the outbreak, local officials have enacted preventive measures, including a temporary suspension of operations at the school lunch center.
Scombroid fish poisoning is a food-borne illness caused by consuming marine fish that have begun to spoil due to bacterial growth. While most commonly associated with tuna and mackerel, the condition can also occur in other fish species like bluefish and mahi-mahi.
The poisoning results from high levels of histamine produced by bacterial breakdown of fish muscle protein. These toxins cannot be eliminated through standard food preparation methods such as freezing, cooking, or canning.
Symptoms of scombroid poisoning typically emerge rapidly, within minutes to two hours after consumption. Initial signs resemble an allergic reaction and include facial flushing, sweating, and a burning sensation in the mouth and throat. Patients may also experience dizziness, nausea, and headaches.
In more severe cases, individuals might develop additional symptoms such as facial rash, hives, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. Some patients may experience more serious complications like vision blurring, respiratory distress, and tongue swelling.
Most scombroid poisoning cases are relatively short-lived, with symptoms typically resolving within 4 to 6 hours and rarely lasting more than two days.
Officials have outlined specific recommendations to prevent future incidents, including instructing food preparation staff to defrost fish products only in refrigerators or under running water and avoiding room-temperature thawing which can accelerate bacterial growth.
Palestine
RAMALLAH – Food Poisoning Outbreak Reported Among Palestinian Detainees at Israeli Prison
A Palestinian prisoners’ rights group has reported a widespread food poisoning incident at Etzion Detention Center, located south of Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank, that has affected multiple detainees.
The Palestinian Prisoners Society said that a lawyer who visited nine prisoners on Sunday discovered they were suffering from severe symptoms consistent with food poisoning after consuming meals at the facility. The detention center currently holds 111 detainees and serves as a temporary detention and investigation site.
According to reports, prisoners experienced significant health complications following their meals. Reported symptoms included severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, weakness, fatigue, facial discoloration, substantial fluid loss, and in some cases, fainting.
Amani Sarahna, media coordinator for the Palestinian Prisoners Society, noted that no medical treatment was provided to the affected prisoners, and that this is not an isolated incident, with similar poisoning cases previously documented at the facility.
Prison administrators have been accused of deliberately providing poor-quality meals and subjecting detainees to harsh conditions. Palestinian officials have called on international organizations to intervene and ensure detainee protection.
Since the onset of the conflict in Gaza on October 7, 2023, reports say that total arrests in the West Bank have exceeded 12,000. This figure includes Palestinian workers and individuals from Gaza, with complete documentation still pending.
Hong Kong
KOWLOON BAY – Food Safety Authorities Detect Bacterial Contamination in Ice Cream Sample
Hong Kong’s Centre for Food Safety (CFS) has reported a bacterial contamination in a milk-flavored ice cream sample collected from a light restaurant in Kowloon Bay.
Laboratory testing revealed that the ice cream sample contained 69,000 coliform bacteria per gram and 1,200,000 total bacteria per gram, substantially exceeding legal limits established under the Frozen Confections Regulation.
According to CFS officials, investigative actions were taken following the detection. The food premises were promptly inspected, additional food samples were collected for testing, and the restaurant was officially notified of the irregularities.
The restaurant has reportedly cooperated with authorities by immediately stopping sales and discarding the affected ice cream product. CFS representatives provided on-site food safety and hygiene education to the restaurant’s management and staff, and mandated comprehensive cleaning and disinfection of the premises.
Under current Hong Kong regulations, frozen confections must not contain more than 100 coliform bacteria per gram or more than 50,000 total bacteria per gram. Violations can result in significant penalties, including a maximum fine of $10,000 and potential imprisonment of up to three months.
CFS officials said that while the bacterial counts exceeded legal limits, indicating unsatisfactory hygienic conditions, the contamination does not necessarily guarantee food poisoning. Nevertheless, the agency will continue monitoring the situation and take appropriate actions to ensure public health safety.
Potential prosecution may be initiated if sufficient evidence of regulatory violations is established during the ongoing investigation.
Vietnam
NGHE AN – Mass Food Poisoning Incident Affects 63 Workers
Sixty-three workers from two companies in Vietnam’s Nghe An province have been hospitalized following a suspected food poisoning outbreak on December 6, local health officials reported.
The affected workers were employed at companies located in two area industrial parks.
All patients ate lunch from the same catering company, which had provided meals for over 1,000 workers that day.
After exhibiting symptoms of food poisoning, the workers were taken for treatment at multiple area hospitals. Medical records indicate patients presented with various symptoms, including headaches, nausea, chest tightness, facial and neck rashes, and general fatigue.
Medical treatment protocols included intravenous fluid administration, which has successfully stabilized all patients. Some individuals have already been discharged from medical facilities.
The head of the province’s food safety department confirmed that immediate action was taken by his organization. Health officials dispatched officers to investigate the incident and collect food samples for testing to determine the cause of the poisoning.
The Nghe An Department of Health issued additional precautionary measures. They have instructed the management of the industrial park to alert all employees who shared the December 6 lunch to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Laos
VANG VIENG – Laos Bans Spirits Tied to Fatal Methanol Poisoning of Tourists
Authorities in Laos have banned the sale and consumption of “Tiger Vodka” and “Tiger Whisky” following the deaths of six international tourists in Vang Vieng earlier this month, according to an Australian travel advisory.
The six victims include two Australians, two Danes, an American, and a British lawyer, all of whom died from suspected methanol poisoning after consuming the now banned alcohol.
The government of Laos expressed sorrow over the deaths and vowed to hold those accountable legally responsible. The manager of Nana Backpacker Hostel, who allegedly distributed free Lao vodka shots to approximately 100 guests, has been detained. He has denied allegations of alcohol contamination.
The Australian travel advisory warned citizens to be alert to potential risks, particularly with spirit-based drinks and cocktails. Similar warnings have been issued by other countries, including the United Kingdom, which advised tourists to purchase alcoholic beverages only from licensed stores and exercise caution with complimentary or unfamiliar spirits. Lao state media, however, has not independently reported the ban.
Methanol, a toxic alcohol typically used industrially as a solvent, pesticide, and alternative fuel, can cause severe illness if consumed.
Tiger Vodka and Tiger Whisky are locally produced Lao spirits known for their low cost and common use in mixed drinks. The vodka label indicates it is “distilled, blended, and bottled in Laos.”
United Arab Emirates
ABU DHABI – Formula 1 Driver Battles Food Poisoning During Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Practice Session
Ferrari Formula 1 driver Charles Leclerc experienced an unexpected challenge during the opening day of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, struggling with a bout of food poisoning that impacted his performance.
Leclerc revealed he became ill following a meal with fellow drivers on Thursday evening, resulting in a sleepless night. Despite feeling unwell, he pushed through to participate in the first practice session, motivated by a unique opportunity to drive alongside his younger brother Arthur.
The Ferrari driver told official F1 media that he was exhausted and primarily wanted to rest. However, the chance to share a track with his brother, who was driving teammate’s Carlos Sainz Jr.’s car, provided him with the necessary motivation to attend the session.
Leclerc described the moment as deeply emotional for his family, many of whom traveled from Monaco to witness the brothers driving together. He admitted to becoming emotional and putting on his racing helmet early to compose himself.
The practice session was further complicated when the car experienced an energy storage problem immediately after being started, adding to Leclerc’s challenging day.
Despite the physical difficulties and technical issues, Leclerc completed the session and went on to finish third on race day.
Kenya
LUANDA – Suspected Food Poisoning Leads to 2 Deaths, Over 50 Hospitalizations
A case of suspected food poisoning at a church event resulted in two deaths and the hospitalization of over 50 others.
The victims had attended a fundraiser at the church where they consumed a meal of rice and beans that had been prepared by one of the church’s members.
While the event and meal occurred on Sunday, those affected did not seek treatment for symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting at the local hospital until Monday. Two of the attendees were pronounced dead on arrival. The remainder were reported to be in stable condition.
The situation was exacerbated because some attendees took food from the event home to their families. According to the church’s pastor, six members of one family were taken for treatment along with five priests.
The church member who prepared the food has been detained by local police.
Taiwan
TAIPEI CITY – Class Action Lawsuit Over Fatal Taipei Restaurant Food Poisoning Incident
A class action lawsuit has been initiated against Polam Kopitiam restaurant, Food Republic food court operator, and Far Eastern Department Store on behalf of victims of a March food poisoning outbreak.
The lawsuit seeks approximately NT$293 million (US$9.01 million) in compensation and represents 30 plaintiffs, including families of five deceased victims and 16 individuals who were poisoned.
The organization behind the lawsuit revealed that one set of parents opted out of the lawsuit, citing challenges of pursuing legal action from Malaysia.
The attorney leading the legal team confirmed that a Taipei City Government expert meeting had determined the incident was caused by Burkholderia gladioli bacteria.
The compensation claim covers damages in multiple categories, including:
- Meal costs
- Medical expenses
- Medical transportation
- Lost wages
- Nursing expenses
- Future medical treatments
- Reduced work capacity
- Funeral expenses
- Alimony
- Consolation funds
- Punitive damages
The attorney expressed hope that defendants might resolve the dispute through negotiation before a final court verdict.
Singapore
SINGAPORE – Caterer Fined $10,000 for Food Safety Violations Following Widespread Food Poisoning
A Singapore caterer has been fined $10,000 for multiple food safety breaches that resulted in 83 people experiencing food poisoning.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) and Singapore Food Agency (SFA) initially received gastroenteritis reports in April 2023 from individuals who consumed food prepared by caterer Masakan Shaik Sabri. Authorities confirmed that no hospitalizations occurred during the incident.
A joint investigation conducted at the caterer’s kitchen revealed significant hygiene issues, including a cockroach infestation and overall unclean premises.
In response to these findings, SFA suspended the company’s operations from May 4 to June 22, 2023 to protect public health.
In order to reopen, the agency mandated that the caterer:
- Resolve identified hygiene lapses
- Improve overall premises cleanliness
- Dispose of all ready-to-eat food
- Discard prepared ingredients
- Remove perishable and intermediate food products
SFA said it was critically important that food operators maintain proper food hygiene and safety requirements.
Commenting on this article, one national food poisoning lawyer said, “Singapore’s food safety agency is correct. All providers of food service are obligated to follow strict food safety protocols, no matter where they are located in the world.”
