MAKKAH, 23 January 2005 — More than 200 pilgrims sought hospital treatment for food poisoning after being served tainted food at Mina camps.
In one case of food poisoning, at least 11 female pilgrims and two Bahraini male pilgrims became ill after eating outdated food inside the camp restaurant. The poisoned pilgrims were transported to Mina General Hospital where they were treated and tested to identify the source of the bacterial agent. All pilgrims left the hospital after treatment. A poisoned pilgrim said that they became ill after eating spoiled food.
Hundreds complained about a packaged meal containing a sandwich, cake and a croissant many suspected of being contaminated.
“Cooking gas is forbidden in Mina, and we only use the small kitchens available in the camp,” said Abu Ahmad Al-Barmawi, a food service worker with 23 years of experience. “Some camps cannot get food supplies on time because of the incredible traffic, and they’ll tend to use food from the day before or two days ago.”
Al-Barmawi said some items are more dangerous than others.
“One of the main reasons for food poisoning is salad containing tomatoes and cucumber,” he said. “We were instructed not to serve salads to pilgrims because tomatoes and cucumbers are quick to spoil, and they’re dangerous if they aren’t eaten on the day they are prepared.”
Hospital officials reported that of the more than 200 pilgrims seeking medical assistance, 17 of those cases were serious. They all were treated and either left the hospital the same day or the following day.
