Family of 30 Hit by Suspected Food Poisoning After Restaurant Meal

Dozens of family members, including children, suffered severe vomiting and diarrhoea after celebrating a birthday at a restaurant in the South, prompting an urgent public health investigation.

Approximately thirty members of the same family were struck down by classic symptoms of food poisoning—vomiting and diarrhoea—the day after a Sunday, 19th October birthday gathering. The majority of the affected family are from the Port-Louis area.

The incident has triggered a full-scale sanitary inquiry by the health authorities to pinpoint the source of the presumed contamination.

Emergency Hospitalisation and Stable Conditions

A number of the guests required hospitalisation and observation. Some were admitted to Dr A.G. Jeetoo Hospital, others to a private clinic in Port-Louis, and some were treated at a private establishment in Moka.

Affected individuals included children. While some patients were admitted, others were able to return home the same day.

Despite the severity of the symptoms, Dr. Fazil Khodabocus, Acting Director of Health Services, confirmed that none of the diners’ health conditions deteriorated and all were in a stable state in the days following the event.

Samples Taken for Analysis

The Health Ministry’s sanitary bureau, based in Rose-Belle, visited the restaurant and took about ten samples of food and products used on the day for analysis at the Candos laboratory. Samples included mayonnaise, seafood, chicken, and fish.

The results are expected early next week and will determine which item caused the mass sickness.

The restaurant, however, remains operational following the inspection. Dr. Khodabocus stated that appropriate measures will be taken if any food item is definitively identified as the source.

Restaurant Response and Initial Indications

A restaurant official confirmed full cooperation with authorities and the provision of samples for analysis. According to initial indications reported by the official, the problem may stem from commercially purchased mayonnaise.

The representative asserted the product was correctly stored and only removed for service, and that the restaurant remains open as no official order to close has been issued.

Health Warnings Issued Amid Rising Cases

Dr. Khodabocus cautioned that food poisoning cases are likely to increase with the transition from winter to summer, warning that high-risk foods like meat, poultry, seafood, and egg-based products can spoil quickly if not properly conserved.

Between 13th and 19th October, 984 cases of gastroenteritis were recorded across the country’s five regional hospitals, a slight rise compared to the same period last year.

Dr. Khodabocus urged the public to be vigilant as summer temperatures rise, recommending precautions such as:

• Boiling tap water before consumption.
• Regular handwashing before preparing or eating food.
• Prioritising freshly prepared meals.
• Thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables.
• Ensuring meat, poultry, and eggs are well cooked.

Source: Defi Media