A total of 256 consumers in Victoria, Australia, have now succumbed to the state’s worst case of food poisoning in five years.
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The sickness has affected people who attended a function at the Imam Ali Islamic Centre, and is believed to have been caused by a bacterial infection. Acting chief health officer Dr John Carnie commented: “Most likely it’s a bacterial infection. Some of the food had been reheated from the day before.
“We know a number of people took food home after the celebration at the Imam Ali Islamic Centre in Fawkner. The danger is that if they eat it they may also fall ill.”
A meal of rice, lamb, and potatoes was served at the function, which was attended by some 600 people. Melbourne hospitals have already treated 256 people of all ages, but only 14 cases needed overnight hospitalisation, three of whom have since been discharged.
Food samples are being examined at a microbiology unit in order to ascertain the cause of the food poisoning. It is hoped that the cause will be clear within the next few days. Carnie said he did not expect tests to reveal salmonella.
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By GlobalData
