Food Poisoning Case: Restaurant Faces Stiff Penalty

Food Poisoning Case: Restaurant Faces Stiff Penalty

A committee investigating the food poisoning that caused 23 diners including children to fall sick at a busy restaurant in Madinah.

After the several food samples were taken by investigation, it found out the food contained salmonella.

Most persons infected with salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. Though most persons recover without treatment, in some persons the infection can become systemic and spread to vital organs.

The investigators traced the disease-carrying germ to the fingernails of a worker at the restaurant, the report said. Out of the 23 people who suffered food poisoning four were non-Saudis. Twenty-one were discharged after investigations and first-aid treatment, the statement said. The remaining two cases required intensive treatment and hospitalization, according to the official.

The restaurant have been told to closed for five days investigations, but the displayed notice is written as “ The restaurant is closed for repairs.”

The municipal officials said they have already destroued a total of 4,000 kg of contaminated meat and fish after the raid. They also handed over 16 freezers and other equipment seized fro mthe illegal establishments to police for further investigations.

http://www.arabnews.com/?page=1&section=0&article=98821&d=23&m=7&y=2007