Recent reports detail food poisoning outbreaks and hygiene violations in various countries: six Hong Kong students fell ill in China, Belgium sees rising salmonella cases linked to eggs, a 13-year-old student died from food poisoning in India, listeria outbreak leads to a plant-based milk producer’s facility sales in Canada, and a UK sandwich company is fined for hygiene breaches.
International Food Poisoning News Overview
The article reports on several recent food poisoning incidents in various countries including China, Belgium, India, Canada, and the United Kingdom, highlighting key details of each case and respective health authority responses.
China: Hong Kong Students’ Gastroenteritis Outbreak
In Xiamen, China, six students from Hong Kong fell ill during an educational exchange trip, experiencing symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. The Centre for Health Protection is investigating the outbreak, which involved a total of 36 students who traveled from March 13 to 15. The health authorities are exploring the possibility of food contamination as the cause.
There have also been three additional gastroenteritis cases linked to previous student trips, bringing the total number of affected individuals to 55, with three testing positive for norovirus.
Belgium: Surge in Salmonella Cases
Belgium is experiencing a rise in salmonella cases, linked to free-range eggs produced by Depo-Ei CV, according to the Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain. About 70 confirmed cases occurred between January and mid-February 2025, though most infections are mild. The agency reassures that food safety standards remain intact despite the outbreak, highlighting preventive measures farmers must take.
FASFC spokesperson Hélène Bonte reminded the public to adhere to food safety practices and cooking guidelines to mitigate risks.
India: Fatal Food Poisoning Incident
A tragic event unfolded at a school hostel in Mandya, Karnataka, where a 13-year-old student died, and 28 others were hospitalized due to suspected food poisoning from leftover Holi celebrations. Investigation reveals the hostel operated without authorization and the food served was substandard.
Legal actions have been initiated against the cook, hostel warden, and school owner for negligence. District officials confirmed ongoing medical assistance for all affected students.
Canada: Listeria Outbreak Leads to Facility Sales
Following a listeria outbreak linked to its plant-based milk products, Joriki is liquidating its facilities in Ontario, with court approval. The Delta plant will be sold to Happy Planet Foods, while the Toronto facility will go to Top Shelf Food and Beverage Corp. The listeria contamination resulted in 20 infections and three deaths, leading to significant financial losses for Joriki.
United Kingdom: Food Hygiene Violations at Sandwich Company
Breaches of food hygiene regulations at Bread Spread Ltd resulted in substantial fines following the discovery of listeria in their products. The company faced penalties due to multiple food safety failures and remained closed during investigations. The Food Standards Agency issued recalls and found ongoing violations despite earlier warnings.
Councillor Kamaljit Nagpal applauded the swift actions taken to address these serious food safety threats.
In summary, significant food safety incidents have recently occurred across multiple nations, underscoring the importance of rigorous food safety standards and regulations. Health authorities are actively investigating these outbreaks to mitigate risks and prevent further illnesses. Each case highlights the critical need for proper management and accountability within food production and handling facilities to safeguard public health.
Original Source: www.foodpoisoningnews.com
