GUIMARAS – At least 238 students in Guimaras have been hospitalized after exhibiting symptoms consistent with food poisoning. The incident occurred after students from the College of Business and Management at Guimaras State University in Buenavista consumed food prepared by an independent caterer.
The majority of those affected ate spaghetti during a business convention on November 15, 2024. Police investigations revealed that over 1,400 packs of spaghetti were prepared, with approximately 500 students attending the initial event. However, over 300 students from another event later requested the leftover food.
While most of the affected students ate spaghetti, some reported symptoms despite not having consumed the dish, prompting authorities to investigate further.
“Samples taken by the Rural Health Unit (RHU) personnel will be sent for laboratory analysis,” said Captain Rene Mercado, officer in charge of the Buenavista Municipal Police Station. “The laboratory results will determine the cause of the illness.”
Guimaras State University has provided immediate medical assistance to the students and has pledged to cover their medical expenses. “They are requesting assistance from the Office of the Registrar to cover their expenses,” said Dr. Lilian Diana Parreño, president of the university.
As of this writing, six students remain hospitalized in Buenavista, while two are being treated in Jordan. Police are monitoring 28 additional students.
A culinary arts trainer, Rodyma Hope Gamilong, who serves the Local Government Unit of Iloilo City, offered insights into potential causes of food contamination. She suggested that warm weather and storing hot food in containers could have accelerated contamination. She also emphasized the importance of consuming milk-based dishes immediately.
Gamilong stressed the importance of adhering to food safety protocols, including:
Proportionate Preparation: Preparing food in quantities that match the number of expected consumers helps prevent spoilage.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOP): Maintaining a clean cooking area and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment, such as aprons, face masks, and gloves, is crucial to prevent contamination.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident to determine the exact cause of the food poisoning and to implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
