Patients discharged from hospital after food poisoning outbreak
More than 40 were infected with botulism after eating from hamburger fast-food restaurant chain
More than half of the patients who contracted food poisoning linked to a Saudi fast-food restaurant chain have been released from intensive care and 25 have been discharged from hospital, the Ministry of Health said on Tuesday. At least 40 diners were infected with botulism last week after eating food from the Hamburgini outlets, and up to 14 are still being treated in hospital. All the chain’s branches and its main catering kitchen have been closed. “We confirm that there are no other sources to which the cases were linked,” ministry spokesman Dr. Mohammed Khalid Alabdulaali said.
When the food poisoning cases first emerged, Hamburgini chief executive Nawaf Al-Fozan confirmed that his outlets were involved. He said Hamburgini operated according to global quality standards in food hygiene and safety. “We strive to provide an ideal experience for our customers with high quality and standard specifications. We wish health and safety to everyone who has suffered harm,” he said.
Botulism, caused by ingesting the Clostridium botulinum bacterium, is a life-threatening neurological disorder resulting in paralysis and death if not treated promptly. “Symptoms start in the face and then descend to involve the limbs and trunk. Respiratory failure ensues due to involvement of the respiratory system leading to cardiopulmonary collapse,” gastroenterologist Mohammed AlAwamy told Arab News.
“In situations where the anaerobic bacteria thrive, for example in situations where oxygen is minimal ... this is seen in canned goods and in meats that have been packed in vacuum-sealed packing.” Anyone with symptoms should seek urgent medical attention, he said.