BATU GAJAH: State Health Committee chairman Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon has told the public not to panic over a food poisoning case that happened here yesterday morning.
Yesterday, 37 locals suffered chronic food poisoning, with some experiencing headaches, vomiting, muscle ache, and some having fainted.
"It was believed that all of the patients had earlier consumed food from a coffee shop in Seputeh," he said.
He said based on initial investigation, the food sold at the the stall was contaminated with organophosphate.
Organophosphate poisoning is one of the most common causes of poisoning worldwide, usually originating from pesticide.
It was learnt that the customers had consumed, among other things, bee hoon and nasi lemak.
"They all had food poisoning. It was confirmed that the food came from that one particular outlet," he said.
Dr Mah said most of the patients were admitted yesterday morning. He said three out of the 37 are in serious condition and have been warded at the Raja Permaisuri Bainun hospital.
"One of the four had requested to be treated in a private hospital, while the rest are at the Batu Gajah Hospital.
"Twenty four people have been discharged but we have to told them to come back today for follow-up checks."