A woman died while 15 individuals were rushed to the hospital on Wednesday, July 20, after experiencing dizziness and vomiting upon eating “chicken mami” in a store in Gagalangin, Tondo.
According to a report, the owner of the store is selling various kinds of Filipino street foods including congee, and it was its first time to sell the noodle soup. The owner was among the victims of food poisoning.
One of the victims said that there was no foul taste from the food, but he felt dizzy and nauseous.
The mother of the owner expressed dismay over the incident, saying that no amount of apology will compensate for what happened.
“Kasi wala pa po talaga akong ideya po at sino mang taong normal na pag-iisip [na] hindi po gagawin po yan,” she said.
City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (CESU) chief Dr. Jesse Bermejo said they are still waiting for the test result of the samples taken from the food which are expected within two to three days.
“Human and food samples were sent for laboratory analysis. This is in coordination with DOH Regional Epidemiology Surveillance Unit, RITM, and PNP. We are currently conducting an investigation on the said incident,” Bermejo said.
Bermejo reminded business owners to practice “proper handling” of food to prevent any contamination or any untoward incidents.
“Hindi naman natin makontrol ang mga ganyan [na] enterprising [na] nagbebenta. Siyempre nandoon pa rin dapat ang proper handling ng mga pagkain, and syempre andun pa rin yung malinis na pag-prepare ng mga pagkain para maiwasan natin yung whatever na contamination, chemical man ‘yan, bacterial man ‘yan,” he added.
The families of the victims are still undecided regarding the filing of charges against the vendor. —Report from Rocky Lesigues/KC-ag
