Vietnam
A bakery in southern Vietnam has been fined VND90 million ($3,660) and suspended for four months following a food poisoning incident that affected 149 customers in August. The decision also requires the bakery to pay medical costs of VND383 million ($15,569) for the affected individuals.
The bakery, located in the city of Hong Ngu, was found to have violated numerous safety regulations that resulted in the food poisoning outbreak. After consuming the bakery’s bahn mi sandwiches, the 149 customers became ill and were hospitalized with symptoms consistent with food poisoning.
Health authorities conducted tests on stool samples from 51 patients and five food samples from the bakery. The results revealed that 29 patient samples tested positive for Salmonella, a bacteria known to cause foodborne illnesses. Among the food samples, only the pâté was found to contain Salmonella.
In May, Food Poisoning News covered a similar food poisoning outbreak linked to consumption of bahn mi sandwiches from another bakery in Vietnam that led to over 450 hospitalizations.
Singapore
On Thursday, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) issued a recall for all batches of Four Seasons Durians brand mini D24 durian mooncakes due to the detection of excessive levels of Bacillus cereus. This bacterium, commonly found in the environment and animal intestinal tracts, can cause food poisoning.
Mooncakes are a traditional Chinese pastry that are primarily eaten during the Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival.
SFA discovered that the Bacillus cereus levels in these mooncakes exceeded the maximum limits set by Singapore’s food regulations. Symptoms of Bacillus cereus food poisoning may include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea.
The agency advised consumers who purchased the mooncakes not to eat them. Consumers who have been exposed to the recalled mooncakes, and are experiencing reactions, have also been advised to seek medical attention.
Food Seasons Durians responded today and said the company will refund any purchases of the recalled mooncakes. They also issued an apology and said they were working to understand what led to the contamination and would implement measures to prevent repeat incidents.
India
Approximately 100 attendees of a religious festival in Jamnagar, India on Thursday were struck by food poisoning. The victims, including 30 children, had eaten prasad – a religious offering of food and water to a Hindu deity. Early the following morning, many of the children began experiencing food poisoning symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting.
Over 100 ambulances were called to transport the sick children to a local hospital. A total of 26 children and 15 adults were ultimately admitted for treatment. Most have since been discharged.
United States
CALIFORNIA – A reported case of Shigella infection at a Eureka Elks Lodge has local health officials on high alert. Humboldt County Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) Public and Environmental Health have advised anyone who attended an August 28 dinner at the club that they may have been exposed to Shigella.
Shigella is an intestinal infection primarily transmitted through contaminated water and can cause deadly endemics, especially in the developing world. Symptoms typically include painful bowel movements, high fever, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal cramps, and fatigue, lasting between five to seven days. In severe cases, Shigella may result in seizures, confusion, and dehydration, which can then lead to other complications, such as kidney failure. For most people, however, the primary symptoms are bloody diarrhea and a fever that lasts 24-48 hours. A considerable portion of infected people are even asymptomatic with the poisoning.
Authorities have received reports of three confirmed cases and five additional suspected cases tied to the August 28 dinner. Health officials are working to interview the affected individuals.
In a statement, the county said, “While it is possible that there may be other sources involved, it is highly likely that there was community spread at this event. Based on this, we are taking steps to notify anyone who was at the event of the importance of preventing additional spread if they become ill.”
PENNSYLVANIA – The University of Pittsburgh has requested an investigation by the local health department following social media reports of students becoming ill after consuming allegedly undercooked food at a major dining facility on the school’s Oakland campus.
University officials stated they had not received direct complaints from students or others regarding the incidents. The exact number of reports, their severity, and whether they were linked to a specific food remain unclear.
In response to these claims, the operator responsible for campus food services has initiated an internal audit of its food safety processes and training methods.
The university and its dining services have jointly announced that they have asked the Allegheny County Health Department to conduct an independent evaluation of The Eatery. Additionally, a third-party who regularly audits their processes was on-site to perform an assessment.
A Monday inspection found normal conditions, including appropriate food temperatures. A health department spokesperson confirmed that the visit resulted in a satisfactory evaluation.
University officials emphasized that the food services operator maintains a rigorous food safety and hygiene program, details of which were included in a campus-wide message.
The dining hall, which recently underwent a major renovation introducing new restaurant concepts, is part of a campus-wide dining service that reportedly serves 30,000 customers daily.
Hong Kong
A passenger’s claim of food poisoning following an in-flight meal containing raw fish has resulted in an investigation by airline Cathay Pacific. The incident occurred on a flight from Chengdu, China, to Hong Kong on Tuesday.
The passenger reported severe gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea, stomach upset, and bloating, after partially consuming the dish. Upon landing in Hong Kong, she sought medical attention at the airport clinic, accompanied by airline staff.
The airline has stated that the investigation is ongoing. While emphasizing its commitment to food safety, Cathay Pacific has also apologized to the affected passenger for the incident.
The passenger is seeking reimbursement for her medical expenses, which amount to HK$516 (US$66). Additionally, she has requested further compensation as a goodwill gesture from the airline.
Lebanon
A 38-year-old man sought medical attention recently at a hospital in Beirut for an unusual condition. Following a meal and intimate relations with his wife, he experienced severe gastrointestinal symptoms, including vomiting and diarrhea. Concurrently, his penis developed swelling, redness, and scabbing, persisting for about a week before he decided to seek medical help.
Hospital doctors have documented this case, suggesting it might be the first recorded instance of food poisoning affecting the penis. The unusual nature of the symptoms and their timing in relation to the patient’s activities have prompted medical professionals to investigate this potentially unprecedented condition.
The man was prescribed a topical antibiotic to remedy the infection, which is now reported to have cleared.
