Health authorities close caterer's kitchen after suspected mass food poisoning
Investigations into outbreak ongoing as authorities confirmed 19 people assessed at A&E and two admitted to hospital
Updated 3.08pm
Public health authorities have issued an Emergency Control Order and closed the kitchen facilities of a caterer as part of investigations into a case of mass food poisoning which affected a group of employees on Thursday evening.
In a joint statement on Friday, the Superintendence of Public Health and the Food Safety and Security Authority said that a total of 19 people were "assessed" at Mater Dei Hospital’s emergency department and two people had to be admitted for further treatment after an outbreak of “foodborne illness” among a group of employees who had all eaten lunch together at their workplace.
Times of Malta was informed that as many as 47 people sought medical assistance after falling ill as a number of ambulances were seen collecting those affected from their workplace in St Julian’s.
Public Health Authorities “immediately” launched an epidemiological investigation to identify the source and extent of the outbreak.,
At the same time, the Food Safety and Security Authority began an “urgent investigation” into the food items served, including the collection and analysis of relevant food and environmental samples to determine the source of the contamination.
“As a precautionary measure and in line with the Food Safety and Security Act, the Authority has also issued an Emergency Control Order, and the kitchen facilities have been closed pending further investigations and the implementation of corrective measures,” the authorities said.
The authorities have not named the caterer involved in this incident.
They added that all competent authorities are “working closely together to determine the cause of the outbreak and to ensure that all necessary measures are implemented to mitigate any potential risk to public health.”
“The Public Health Authorities reassure the public that all necessary precautions and control measures are being undertaken to safeguard public health,” they added in the statement.
Meals supplied by external caterer
The affected company, which is based at Portomaso Marina, said on Friday it has “suspended meal deliveries from the current supplier and alternative arrangements have been put in place pending further clarity”.
The meals were “supplied by an independent third-party contractor and delivered directly to employee areas”.
The company, which asked not to be named, said it was “not in a position to comment on specific numbers or individual medical cases, both out of respect for privacy and while investigations remain ongoing”.
It added that the cause of the symptoms “has not yet been officially established” and any speculation on the source would be “inappropriate”, as they awaited the results of necessary tests.
“Once the authorities conclude their findings, the company will review the matter and take any action considered necessary,” the company said.
It insisted that its staff’s wellbeing was a “priority” and has remained in contact with the relevant authorities.
The company is also “maintaining contact with the affected employees and offering support where necessary”.
Food hygiene in hot weather
The public health authorities also outlined the importance of observing good food hygiene practices, particularly during periods of hot weather.
“Food should be stored, handled, prepared, and cooked safely to reduce the risk of foodborne illness. Particular attention should be paid to maintaining appropriate refrigeration temperatures, avoiding cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods, and ensuring thorough cooking of food products,” they said.
The health authorities also thanked all healthcare professionals, including the medical, nursing, ambulance, emergency department, inpatient, laboratory, support staff, public health medics, and Food Safety and Security Officials who “responded swiftly and professionally to the sudden influx of patients requiring care and investigation of the situation”.
“Their dedication, expertise and commitment ensured that all affected individuals received timely treatment, appropriate medical attention and control of the situation,” the authorities said.