Food poisoning in Egypt affects many hundreds of students

Protesters gathered after almost 500 University students had food poisoning

17:09 03 April 2013

Almost 500 students in Cairo were taken to hospital over food poisoning and individuals have reacted to the news by protesting in the area in Egypt. The students, who are understood to be from one of the city’s universities, became ill earlier this week. 

A Health Ministry for the country has reportedly said there were as many as 479 cases relating to food poisoning. It is believed that the students attended the Al-Azhar Universtity in the capital city. 

 

Based on media reports it is thought that the huge number of food poisoning cases are linked with the university’s dorms – with one report from the BBC stating it was one dormitory in particular. 

 

It is understood there are plans for an investigation to be carried out into this matter. 

 

The news on the food poisoning has not rested well with many individuals, and hundreds of protesters demonstrated their discontent in the area. 

 

The University, which is supposedly well-known, is thought to have been founded around the year of 970. Cairo is the capital city of Egypt , and is situated close to the Nile. It lies South of Damietta and Alexandria, and West of Ismailia and Suez. 

 

Symptoms of food poisoning normally involve the feeling of nausea and/or vomiting. Diarrhoea is often associated with it. According to the NHS website, food poisoning can result from a number of things, including; 

 

•  Food not being cooked properly

• Failure to refrigerate certain foods correctly when required 

•  Lack of hygiene during food handling process 

• Ignoring food expiry dates 

• Cross Contamination 

 

Chicken and pork are just some of the meats that people are often advised to cook/prepare/store correctly.