ANN/THE STAR – Some 101 pupils at a public primary school here came down with food poisoning.
Perak Health director Dr Feisul Idzwan Mustapha said one has been warded at the Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital while 62 received outpatient treatment and others showed mild symptoms.
“The pupil who was hospitalised is stable. The department received a notification about the food poisoning incident on Wednesday at about 8am,” he said in a statement.
“Five pupils had then experienced diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach ache and fever, and received treatment at two health facilities here.
“Further investigations conducted by the Kinta Health Office found that there were 96 more cases,” he said, adding that some 1,054 people, including teachers and other school support staff were also exposed.
Dr Feisul Idzwan said the department has sent 10 clinical samples, five environmental samples and three swab samples taken from the food operator to a laboratory to be analysed.
“Based on our initial investigation, it is suspected that the cause for the food poisoning was a chocolate drink and fried chicken dish that were prepared in the school canteen kitchen.
“An evaluation was also conducted at the premises on September 25 and found it to be dissatisfactory, with a rating of 67.8 per cent,” he said, adding that the canteen has been ordered to be closed for 14 days under the Food Act.
“A compound notice was also issued due to an offence related to the wearing of accessories while preparing food,” he added. Dr Feisul Idzwan said the people are advised to always have a habit of practising food safety.
“They should look, smell and taste the food before consuming it. “All food handlers are to adhere to the Food Act and Food Hygiene Regulations to prevent incidences of food poisoning,” he added.
