Japan Mass Food Poisoning Affects Hokkaido Schools

By BOB Goswami

JAPAN NEWS - The suspected outbreak of Japan’s mass food poisoning has affected Japan’s northern Hokkaido Island where at least 950 schoolchildren have suffered from different food poisoning symptoms.

It is reported that thirteen children are in hospital in the city of Iwamizawa; 48 teachers and other staff have been suffering from poisoning symptoms. The school authorities have closed down the schools till the end of the week.

The outbreak started from Iwamizawa large central kitchens, which supply food each day to many schools. The poisoning case spread out to a large extent because schools authorities have received delivery from the kitchen.

Police have already sealed three of these kitchens and investigations on this massive food poisoning are carried out.

Last week lunch was delivered that comprised miso soup, salad and Japanese radish with minced meat. After eating the lunch children showed mild symptoms of food poisoning and eventually fell ill. However, no death is still to be reported and none is in a critical condition.

This is not the first time Japanese schools have suffered this type of food poisoning. Earlier incidents warned authorities for better safety measures and so government issued a notice that said every school in Japan is required to keep samples of all meals served over the previous seven days.

Health authorities are still to find the cause of food poisoning and suspected salmonella may be to blame.