49 food poisoning cases at two schools under investigation, says Penang exco rep

GEORGE TOWN: Forty-nine students from two schools here suffered food poisoning on Wednesday (Nov 1).

State health committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen said the state Health Department received two notifications from a private hospital informing them about the food poisoning incident at SMJK(C) Convent Datuk Keramat and SJK(C) Convent Datuk Keramat.

"Investigations initiated into the two incidents found that the schools use the same canteen.

"The number of students that were exposed is 903, and 49 of them experienced food poisoning symptoms," he said in a statement on Thursday (Nov 2).

Gooi said of the 49, 21 cases were from SJK(C), while the remaining 28 were from SMJK(C).

He said so far, the cause of the food poisoning incident at the schools was believed to be the nasi lemak that the students ate.

He, however, said the cause of the poisoning is still being investigated.

"Three students were warded on Nov 1 but were discharged later.

"Fourteen students received treatment at private clinics, and 32 students experienced minor symptoms and did not go to any health facilities," he said, adding that all students have since recuperated and are in healthy condition.

He said health education on food and hand hygiene had been given to all canteen workers, teachers and students, including the food handlers.

He said an inspection of the school cafeteria and the food supplier's kitchen had been conducted, and the school canteen received a satisfactory rating.

However, some improvements are needed in terms of cleanliness that the school cafeteria and the food supplier should carry out.

He urged students from the affected schools who were exposed to seek early treatment if they experience any symptoms of food poisoning.