Public Health Authorities Investigating Workplace Food Poisoning Outbreak After 19 Ill

The Public Health Authorities have issued a statement confirming that 19 people were treated and two were hospitalised following a suspected foodborne illness outbreak linked to a workplace lunch.

According to the authorities, the outbreak was identified on 25th June after a group of employees fell ill following the consumption of food served at their workplace.

A total of 19 people were assessed at Mater Dei Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Department, with two requiring hospital admission. The authorities said all affected individuals received prompt medical care and are currently in a stable condition.

The Public Health Authorities said an epidemiological investigation was launched immediately to determine the source and extent of the outbreak.

Meanwhile, the Food Safety and Security Authority has opened a parallel investigation, collecting food and environmental samples from the site to establish the source of the contamination.

As a precaution, the Food Safety and Security Authority has issued an Emergency Control Order under the Food Safety and Security Act, resulting in the closure of the kitchen facilities pending further investigations and the implementation of corrective measures.

In their statement, the Public Health Authorities said the competent authorities are working closely together to determine the cause of the outbreak and ensure all necessary measures are taken to protect public health.

They also reminded the public to observe good food hygiene practices, particularly during periods of hot weather, including storing food at appropriate temperatures, preventing cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods, and ensuring food is cooked thoroughly.

The Public Health Authorities concluded by thanking healthcare professionals, ambulance crews, laboratory staff, public health officials and Food Safety and Security Authority personnel for their swift response to the incident.

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Gabriel Falzon

Gabriel Falzon is a social media executive at Lovin Malta, with a keen interest in digital media, local businesses, and the natural world. Outside of work, you’ll often find him baking up a storm, diving into video games, or exploring the endless corners of YouTube.