One dead, nearly 150 sickened by grilled eel in Japan
A recent food poisoning outbreak in Japan connected to the consumption of grilled eel sold at a department store near Tokyo has resulted in one death, nearly 150 illnesses and two hospitalizations.
The incident occurred at the Keikyu Department Store in Yokohama, where customers who consumed grilled eel between July 24 and 25 reported symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea, according to AP News. A woman in her 90s died after developing symptoms, though the exact cause of her death is still under investigation. Two other individuals required hospitalization, while the majority experienced milder symptoms.
The source of the contamination was traced to the Tokyo-based restaurant chain Nihonbashi Isesada, which prepared the eel dishes sold at the department store. Health officials uncovered the presence of staphylococcus aureus, a bacteria known to cause food poisoning, in samples from affected individuals.
In response, both the department store and restaurant chain have issued apologies and pledged to cooperate with health officials. The restaurant acknowledged lapses in food safety protocols, including some cooks not wearing plastic gloves during preparation. Health officials have temporarily closed the Isesada locations in the department store pending an investigation into the source of the contamination.
Food poisoning outbreak at ByteDance Singapore office
Earlier today, a food poisoning incident at ByteDance’s Singapore office sickened at least 60 people. The Singapore Food Agency and Ministry of Health are investigating the suspected gastroenteritis cases. ByteDance is best known as the parent company of the popular site and app TikTok.
Victims complained of abdominal pain and vomiting and 57 of those affected sought medical attention at hospitals, according to The Straits Times. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) responded with 17 ambulances after receiving multiple calls for medical assistance mid-afternoon.
A first-aid point at the location to assess other individuals with similar symptoms. All affected individuals had consumed the same food. ByteDance uses external vendors for food catering at their offices.
This incident follows another recent food poisoning outbreak where 165 SCDF personnel fell ill at the Civil Defence Academy campus on July 23 and 24.
Commenting on this story, one national food poisoning lawyer said, “Food safety standards exist for a reason. When it comes to commercial food preparation, it is especially critical because large numbers of people could be impacted.”
