A significant food poisoning outbreak has affected approximately 1,000 people in Namwon City, South Korea. Officials reported 996 confirmed cases as of Friday June 4, with local media suggesting the number had risen to 1,024 by Saturday afternoon, according to the BBC.
The outbreak has been traced to norovirus-contaminated kimchi, a popular fermented cabbage dish in Korea. The affected kimchi was distributed through school meals in Namwon City. Students and staff from 24 schools are among those experiencing symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pains.
Norovirus contamination poses a significant health risk, particularly to individuals with compromised immune systems. What makes norovirus contamination especially concerning is that infected food often appears, smells, and tastes normal, making it difficult to detect without proper testing.
Symptoms of norovirus infection typically include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and fever. These symptoms can be particularly severe in vulnerable populations.
Many countries have seen a greater than usual number of norovirus cases this year. Last week, Food Poisoning News reported on a norovirus outbreak affecting nearly 300 in Italy’s Lake Garda, while norovirus-contaminated oysters from Korea have been implicated several times in 2024.
Namwon City officials launched an epidemiological investigation on Wednesday after the first case was reported the day before. The number of cases quickly grew, jumping from 153 affected individuals on Wednesday to 745 on Thursday.
Namwon City’s Mayor, Choi Kyung-sik, announced that health officials had implemented a “pre-emptive and excessive response” to contain the outbreak and ensure citizens’ safety.
Norovirus was detected in patient samples, environmental tests, and some of the kimchi that was delivered to the schools, confirming the source of the outbreak.
The city’s disaster and safety department has temporarily halted production and sales from the company that produced the contaminated kimchi. The firm, which has not yet been publicly identified, is voluntarily recalling distributed products.
Commenting on this story, one national food safety attorney said, “There are always potential risks associated with consuming raw or fermented foods that don’t undergo heat treatment before consumption. Consumers should inform themselves as to those risks or potential side effects before including such foods in their diet.”
