230 hospitalized for food poisoning

MANILA, Philippines — Up to 230 people, including students of the state-run Guimaras State University and their relatives, were hospitalized after eating spaghetti served during a gathering for business innovators in Buenavista, Guimaras on Friday.

The students and their relatives sought medical help the following day after experiencing abdominal pains, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

The victims were rushed to the Buenavista Emergency Hospital and Dr. Catalino Gallego Nava Provincial Hospital in Buenavista and Jordan towns, respectively, according to Col. Rhea Santos, Guimaras police director.

Investigation showed the victims felt ill on Friday night, or a few hours after eating spaghetti served during the activity.

They reportedly ignored the pain, thinking they would get better, but they remained sick until the next day.

Reports said the committee in charge of the food preparation hired a local cook to prepare 70 kilos of spaghetti for around 1,400 people.

The pasta was reportedly cooked at 1 a.m. on Friday and the sauce at 6 a.m.

The spaghetti was served to the attendees from 10 a.m. to noon, and as an afternoon snack.

Santos said there were leftovers as the food was intended for 1,400 people, but only 338 attended the event. The victims took home some of the leftovers.

Probers have yet to identify people who might be held liable for the incident.