Myanmar
A foodborne illness outbreak occurred Tuesday in a village in Myanmar’s Tatkon Township. Both local residents and rescue volunteers who were assisting with flood response efforts in the area were affected.
People began feeling sick late Tuesday afternoon after consuming food that had been donated due to recent flooding. Symptoms consistent with food poisoning included nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Patients were transported to various medical facilities for treatment, including the township’s hospital. A healthcare worker in Tatkon Township reported that over 100 people sought treatment, with 60 admitted to the local hospital and more than 50 taken to a nearby medical center. Additional patients were treated at local clinics and Buddhist monasteries.
The influx of patients stretched the capacity of medical facilities, requiring doctors and staff to work past midnight. Despite the high number of cases, the illness was not reported to be life-threatening and was expected to pass quickly. Many of the affected have already been discharged.
While the exact cause was pending laboratory confirmation, healthcare workers and officials indicated that the illness appeared to be foodborne and linked to the consumption of the donated food.
The outbreak occurred against the backdrop of ongoing flooding in the region. Heavy rains began on September 9 due to Typhoon Yagi, causing widespread flooding in various parts of the country. The flooding has resulted in numerous casualties and displacements.
In Tatkon Township alone, 45 bodies have been recovered, with many victims still missing. According to the military council’s figures, there have been 226 deaths, 77 people missing, and over 400,000 displaced from their homes since the floods began.
Healthcare workers noted that additional medications might be needed due to the possibility of flood-related contaminants in the local drinking water which could lead to further illnesses.
A charity worker in nearby Pyinmana Township, which has been severely impacted by floods, advised caution regarding the preparation and storage of donated perishable foods. He noted instances of food spoilage due to the long-distance transportation of donations.
India
CHENNAI – A popular biryani restaurant in Chennai, India was closed by local food safety officials on Thursday following multiple reports of illness among customers. Approximately 40 people experienced symptoms of food poisoning after consuming biryani from the restaurant on Monday.
Health officials said that customers began experiencing vomiting and diarrhea about three hours after eating at the restaurant. Many affected individuals sought treatment at a local public hospital, while others were treated at private medical facilities. Around 10 people received outpatient care and were released.
Chennai’s Food Safety Department received complaints on Wednesday and took action the following day. Upon inspection, officials found the kitchen to be in an unsanitary condition. However, they were unable to collect food samples for testing as the management had already removed all food items from the premises. The restaurant was closed and locked-off by health officials.
The restaurant has been given 15 days to submit required documentation, including their operating license, before they can resume business.
Health officials stated that while patients are being treated for their symptoms, it has not yet been confirmed whether all cases are directly linked to food poisoning from the restaurant. Some families reported consuming “bucket biryani,” but authorities are still investigating if this applies to all affected individuals.
CHENNAI – A 22-year-old woman has died of alleged food poisoning after eating shawarma from a local shop.
The woman, a private school teacher, is siad to have consumed the shawarma last week while dining with her brother.
Upon returning home, she ate a separate meal and began vomiting later in the evening. Family members took her to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The woman’s condition continued to deteriorate so she was transported to a larger facility on Tuesday for additional care. She did not respond to treatment and died the following day.
A case has been opened with local police who are awaiting the results of an autopsy to determine the cause of the woman’s death.
Taiwan
On Friday, Food Poisoning News reported on a suspected food poisoning incident in a Taiwan village that led to three deaths and nine hospitalizations after victims consumed contaminated millet dumplings containing snails, pork, and bamboo shoots.
The Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) reported on Friday that high levels of terbufos, a hazardous chemical compound found in some pesticides, were detected in food samples related to the incident.
As snails are not typically consumed by the general population in Taiwan but are sometimes part of the diet of indigenous peoples, health officials suspected that the snails may have been contaminated with pesticides used on local crops.
However, test results showed that millet, a grain used to make the dumplings, contained an excessive amount of terbufos at 405 milligrams per kilogram. The other dumpling ingredients contained smaller, yes still dangerous, concentrations of the chemical.
The terbufos levels significantly exceeded test results from the past three years. The TFDA reported that out of 12,390 pesticide tests for terbufos conducted between 2022 and July 2024, only 41 instances of terbufos were detected.
During the investigation, health inspectors and local police discovered an open pack of the insecticide fipronil in the initial victim’s kitchen. The TFDA’s Friday test ruled out the substance as the cause of the contamination.
An investigation into the case by authorities is ongoing.
Indonesia
And, finally, a happier story about proactive efforts to prevent food poisoning.
Organizers from the 21s National Sports Week in North Sumatra have implemented strict food safety measures to protect athletes from potential toxic ingredients in their meals. A dedicated food security team conducts daily inspections at athletes’ hotels to ensure the safety of the food served.
A member of the food security team explained that they perform various tests on food samples. The tests check for the presence of cyanide, arsenic, nitrite, formalin, borax, and methanyl yellow. Testing for cyanide and arsenic are particularly crucial in preventing food poisoning, according to the security officer. Additionally, they screen for food containing pork. Indonesia’s population is 87% Muslim.
The team focuses specifically on food safety rather than nutritional content, which is monitored by separate staff. Tests are conducted on-site using samples of the meals prepared for athletes.
In response to recent issues with food suppliers, including late deliveries, an official stated that negligent food providers would face consequences. A warning letter has already been sent to one supplier and the official threatened contract termination for repeated offenses.
