DOH probes 'dirty' kitchen in Asean food poisoning

Authorities are looking into reports that a dirty kitchen and unsanitary practices downed up to 95 performers for the gala night of the recently concluded 12th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) summit. Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said Tuesday he received photos of a dirty kitchen that may have caused acute gastroenteritis among the performers. "We have received photos that the kitchen was dirty, and that rags were left lying around. This could be a basis for recommending sanctions on the caterer," Duque said in Filipino during an interview on dzMM radio. He was referring to the Majestic Catering Services, which he said will also have to shoulder the medical expenses of the performers who were hospitalized. Sun-Star Cebu earlier reported that government officials released lower figures on the ill performers, saying "only" 55 were actually downed while the 40 others were told to seek medication. Citing initial reports, Duque said it was possible that there was amoeba in the salad served to the performers, and that the vegetables may not have been cooked properly. "The caterer must shoulder the medical and hospitalization costs, even after the patients are discharged," he said. He said the Department of Science and Technology as well as the Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) will also inspect the quality of food served by Majestic Catering. "The caterer may face charges especially if the performers decide to file complaints," he said. Meanwhile, Duque said his department and the Agriculture department are taking steps to prevent the entry of bird flu to the Philippines. He said that so far, there have been no recorded instances of bird flu in the Philippines even if the disease has affected Indonesia, Vietnam, China and Cambodia. - GMANews.TV