Taiwan: Food Poisoning Sickens 35, 5 Hospitalized
Health authorities in Hsinchu County, Taiwan, are investigating a suspected food poisoning outbreak linked to French bread from a market stall. As of Tuesday, August 27, 35 people sought medical treatment, with five hospitalized.
The Public Health Bureau of Hsinchu County Government received reports from local hospitals starting last Saturday, August 24. Patients were experiencing symptoms consistent with food poisoning, including stomach pains, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever.
Upon inspection, health officials found multiple hygiene violations at the bread stall, including presence of pests, improper storage, and unlabeled food. The stall has been temporarily closed while food and patient samples undergo testing, with results expected within two weeks.
Affected individuals sought treatment at various hospitals in the area. The stall operator has been ordered to address six identified hygiene violations within a specified timeframe. Failure to comply could result in fines ranging from USD 1,800 to USD 6.2 million under local food safety regulations.
Cameroon: Six Dead from Tainted Corn
A family of six, including children aged 8 to 12, have died after consuming corn that had been treated with toxic chemicals intended to deter pests.
Two survivors are still receiving treatment.
India 1: 15 Hospitalized from Contaminated Rice
A food poisoning outbreak in the town of Sipajhar, in India’s Assam state, has resulted in the hospitalization of 15 people, including two children. The incident occurred after individuals consumed contaminated flattened rice and curd. Victims experienced food poisoning symptoms of fever and vomiting.
Twelve people were initially taken to a local medical facility for treatment. Later, three members of another family in the same area developed similar symptoms after a meal at their home.
All 15 affected individuals received emergency first aid at the primary hospital in the area. Four patients, including two children, were transferred to a larger regional hospital due to the severity of their conditions.
Local health authorities have begun an investigation into the contamination cause and source and have advised residents to be cautious with their food.
Namibia: Suspected Food Poisoning Kills 3 Children
An outbreak of suspected food poisoning in the Omaheke region of Namibia has resulted in the deaths of three children and left four others in critical condition.
A government official reported that three children and three adults were rushed to a local clinic last Tuesday after consuming porridge made with maize meal from a drought relief program. Two children died shortly after arrival, while the others remained in critical condition. A third child succumbed to the illness two days later.
The situation worsened when family members made bread using canned fish purchased from a local shop, leading to more illnesses. The official noted that medical staff observed blue discoloration of the patients’ tongues, prompting further testing.
Health inspectors have been called to investigate the cause of the suspected food poisoning. The incident highlights ongoing nutrition challenges in the region, as Omaheke governor Pijoo Nganate recently reported that approximately 800 people have died from malnutrition in the area since 2022, with over 30,000 cases of malnutrition recorded during the same period.
Pakistan: Food Poisoning Suspected in Deaths of 4 People
Four people, including a small child, passed away after being found unconscious inside a car on Pakistan’s M-2 highway.
Police responded to a call about a car parked along the roadside. Upon investigation, the officers discovered five unconscious individuals inside the vehicle. The occupants were immediately rushed to a local hospital for medical attention.
Despite efforts to save them, four of the five individuals succumbed to their condition during treatment. The fifth passenger remains unconscious at the time of the report.
According to medical professionals at the hospital, the suspected cause of death is food poisoning, though further investigation may be required to confirm this.
The victims were residents of Lahore and were traveling from their hometown to Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital, when the incident occurred.
India 2: Over 120 Hospitalized from Suspected Food Poisoning
An outbreak of suspected food poisoning in Mathura, India, has resulted in the hospitalization of over 120 people, including women and children. The incident occurred after individuals consumed food items made from buckwheat flour during Janmashtami religious celebrations.
The affected individuals are from several villages in the area of Mathura. Symptoms reported include vomiting, dizziness, and cold chills. Many of the victims had been fasting for Janmashtami before consuming the contaminated food.
Patients were initially treated at a local health center but were later transferred to various area hospitals due to the high number of cases.
The buckwheat flour was reportedly purchased from local shops in the affected villages. The shop owners said they purchased their products from major grocery retailers in the area.
In response to the incident, a district magistrate ordered the District Food and Drug Administration to investigate and close the supplying shops. Authorities are collecting samples from area stores for testing.
Officials report that all victims are currently in stable condition.
