Malaysia – Food Poisoning Sickens Over 200 Students Around the Country
PETALING JAYA – The food poisoning of 48 students has forced the closure of the school cafeteria at Mara Junior Science College. Six students were hospitalized for additional treatment.
After visiting the college, a government health minister ordered the shutdown due to a number of facilities in need of disrepair.
The ministry approved repair work for several departments and staff of the college have been given a month to resolve any outstanding issues.
MEMBAKUT – A meal provided by an outside caterer is suspected in a food poisoning incident that sickened 55 students and 3 teachers.
The students were preparing for a national education exam required of all eleventh graders when they began experiencing food poisoning symptoms of diarrhea, vomiting, and shortness of breath.
The students and staff were taken to a local medical clinic where they were treated and discharged later in the day.
IPOH – Following a similar incident of food poisoning that affected 86 students in the city, another case of food poisoning has affected over 100 students at a local primary school in the area.
Sixty students received outpatient treatment while one was hospitalized for more advanced care.
The outbreak is suspected to have been caused by a chocolate drink and fried chicken served by the school cafeteria.
Initially, five students were treated after complaining of common food poisoning symptoms of diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, and fever.
An investigation soon uncovered another 96 cases. Altogether, over 1,000 people, including students, teachers, and school staff, were exposed to the contaminated food.
Samples of the food and from the cafeteria were taken and sent for laboratory testing.
A local health official said a health inspection was conducted just a few days prior and that the cafeteria received an unsatisfactory score. The cafeteria has now been closed for two weeks.
The official also noted that some cafeteria workers were cited for wearing accessories that were inappropriate for safe food preparation.
The hospitalized student is reported to be in stable condition.
It was later reported that the operator of the cafeteria was facing legal trouble.
According to a government health official, the operator would be charged under the Food Act of 1983 due to failure to adhere to proper food safety standards and for putting lives at risk.
United Kingdom – Recall of Smooth Brussels Pate
UK grocery store chain Co-op, based in Manchester, England, has issued a voluntary recall for its Smooth Brussels Pate due to potential presence of salmonella and listeria monocytogenes (listeria), both pathogens that can cause severe illness in otherwise healthy people.
The company did not say how the potential contamination was discovered. The affected product was sold in Co-op retail locations across the United Kingdom.
The recalled pate is sold in 175 gram tubs and can be identified by the following use by dates: November 19, 2024 (19.11.2024), November 21, 2024 (21.11.2024), November 28, 2024 (28.11.2024).
Consumers are urged to dispose of the affected products immediately. Consumers may also return the products to the point of purchase for a refund or replacement.
Salmonella can lead to symptoms like fever, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. Listeria can cause flu-like symptoms, including a high fever, muscle aches, chills, nausea, and diarrhea. Listeria is especially dangerous to vulnerable populations like young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.
South Africa – Instant Porridge Suspected in Deaths of 3 Children
Food poisoning is suspected in the death of two toddlers and a baby in Mdantsane, a township in South Africa’s Eastern Cape.
The children, aged between 18 months and four years, complained of stomach pain after reportedly consuming instant porridge.
The children were taken to a local hospital for treatment where they soon died. A seven year old, also taken to the hospital, was later discharged.
In response, local authorities temporarily shut down the supermarket where the instant porridge was purchased and seized all remaining inventory. Samples were taken and sent for laboratory testing.
Namibian food company Namib Mills withdrew the product from store shelves in South Africa as a precaution.
A company representative noted that they were cooperating with authorities and launching an internal investigation while adding, “while there is currently no evidence linking our product to this unfortunate event, we are taking the matter very seriously.”
Vietnam – Free Drinks Lead to Hospitalization of Hanoi Students
A group of 25 students from a school in Hanoi fell ill after consuming free beverages distributed outside their school gates. Twelve students were taken to a local hospital with food poisoning symptoms of headaches, dizziness, and vomiting, according to a hospital official.
The incident, suspected to be food poisoning, occurred on Monday. The hospitalized students have received treatment and are expected to be discharged soon.
The students reportedly drank bottled sugary beverages offered as part of an apparent advertising campaign. However, the brand and distributor remain unidentified.
Local authorities have initiated an investigation, collecting samples of the drinks and from affected students for testing.
Turkmenistan – Food Poisoning Outbreak Linked to Illegal Meat Trade
A restaurant in the eastern Turkmen town of Sayat has become the center of a health scare after 21 people were hospitalized with food poisoning symptoms. The incident is believed to be linked to infected meat served at the establishment.
The outbreak coincides with a recent surge in animal pox among camels and cattle in the region, which authorities have been struggling to contain. The situation is exacerbated by improper disposal of deceased animals, with some residents burying cattle corpses in wastelands or abandoning them in bushes, giving rise to a dangerous black market trade.
“Night scavengers” are reportedly collecting meat from these carcasses and selling it to restaurants at discounted prices, undercutting the market rate for fresh meat.
While animal pox typically doesn’t pose a significant threat to humans, some strains can be transmitted through contact with infected animals, causing skin rashes and potentially affecting mucous membranes.
Local authorities have launched inspections of meat and fish vendors. Sellers lacking proper sanitary certificates now face hefty fines ranging from US $850 to $1400.
India – Flight Attendant, There’s a Bug in My Breakfast
On a recent flight from Delhi to New York, an Indian journalist found a cockroach in her Air India inflight meal.
After eating half the meal, which she shared with her two year old son, the dead insect was discovered inside their omelette.
In a social media post, the journalist said the contaminated food led to her suffering symptoms of food poisoning. She also cited a number of problems, including broken seats and handles, and generally unclean conditions.
In a statement, Air India said they were aware of the incident and were investigating with their catering service provider.
