Food poisoning downs 50

At least 50 participants in a skills exhibition hosted by the Department of Education landed in the hospital on Thursday due to food poisoning.

The victims were delegates to the 2nd National Musabaqah Skills Exhibition held at DepEd7’s Ecotech Center in Barangay Lahug.

Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) chief Nagiel Bañacia said the city disaster team assisted DepEd-7 in sending at least 15 of the victims to the hospital.

Bañacia said the victims – all students and teachers – experienced stomachache, vomiting, and diarrhea reportedly after eating squid and sandwich with tuna.

He, however, said they are still verifying the report. The three-day competition of Muslim talent was geared towards ensuring that no learner is left behind regardless of age, gender, proximity, and religion.

DepEd-7 Director Dr. Julieta Jeruta said the food was already served many times to thousands of participants at the venue since the first day but only on Thursday that some of the participants were suffering from stomachache and vomiting.

She said an investigation will be made to determine the cause of the incident.

Of the 50 victims rushed to a private hospital, 49 were already sent home yesterday morning while one was still admitted for further observation.

Dr. Shelbay Blanco, cluster head of Health Emergency Management Staff of the Department of Health in Region 7, said they will hold a separate inquiry into the case.