A recent ruling by a court in Marrakesh, Morroco has brought justice in a tragic case of food poisoning that claimed six lives, including a child. The court sentenced three individuals – the owner of a fast food restaurant and two employees – to four years in prison each, along with a fine of 1000 dirhams (about USD $100).
The incident occurred in the Mahamid neighborhood of Marrakesh, where over 20 people fell ill after consuming food from the restaurant. Among the victims was a 5-year-old girl. The severity of the poisoning led to multiple hospitalizations at Mohammed VI University Hospital, with six fatalities resulting from the contaminated food.
“We had five tortilla sandwiches, topped with potatoes, eggs, rice and mayonnaise. When we returned home, the first signs of discomfort began to appear. Abdominal pains assailed us, but that was only the beginning. My children retched and started vomiting,” said Safae Karouane, one of the victims.
The restaurant owner faced multiple charges, including involuntary manslaughter due to negligence and disregard for regulations, tampering with evidence at the crime scene, offering products dangerous to human health, and storing food items in unsanitary conditions. His two employees were charged as accomplices in these offenses.
The local eatery was popular and often bustling with customers. Neighbors expressed surprise as no other incidents had been previously reported.
“We have been eating here for a long time and we don’t understand what could have happened,” said one resident.
Following the outbreak, authorities took swift action. They arrested the restaurant staff and conducted a thorough investigation of the premises. A health safety committee discovered and seized a quantity of spoiled meat intended for food preparation, as well as expired ingredients.
This case puts yet another spotlight on the critical importance of food safety regulations and the potentially devastating consequences when they are ignored. The court’s decision should send a strong message about the serious legal ramifications for those who neglect proper food handling and storage practices in the food service industry.
The tragedy has prompted increased scrutiny of food safety measures in Marrakesh, where authorities from the National Food Safety Office have recently launched a campaign to increase monitoring of food safety standards in restaurants and other food establishments across the country.
Commenting on this story, one national food safety attorney said, “This case once again highlights the need for rigorous enforcement of health and safety standards in the food industry to prevent such incidents in the future. Unfortunately for the families of the victims it is too late.”
