200+ residents allegedly poisoned after eating adobo (with English subs) | Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho

Summary

In Esperanza, Agusan del Sur, over 200 people, mostly children, were affected by food poisoning after consuming chicken liver adobo during a mass feeding event. The food, distributed by a non-government organization, led to widespread vomiting, pain, and hospitalizations. Authorities suspect improper food handling, with heat exposure during transportation being a possible factor. While the Red Cross covered hospital fees, the incident highlighted the need for improved infrastructure and food safety protocols in rural areas. A detailed investigation is underway to identify the exact cause of the poisoning.

Takeaways

• 😀 A mass food poisoning incident occurred in Esperanza, Agusan del Sur, after over 200 people ate chicken liver adobo from a mass feeding event.
• 😀 The victims, including children, experienced severe symptoms like vomiting, stomach pain, and in some cases, convulsions.
• 😀 Most of the affected people were from Barangay Tandang Sora, and 60 of the 216 victims were children.
• 😀 The food poisoning started after a non-governmental organization distributed over 1,000 food packs containing rice, eggs, and chicken liver adobo.
• 😀 Some victims noticed the liver in their adobo tasted bitter or smelled bad, leading to suspicion that it had gone bad.
• 😀 The incident led to overcrowding in the hospital, with some patients lying in beds with multiple others due to limited space.
• 😀 Victims were transported by boat to the nearest hospital as there was limited medical infrastructure and resources in the barangay.
• 😀 The Red Cross, which helped distribute the food, claimed they followed proper food safety protocols, but the incident raised questions about food handling and transport.
• 😀 The possible causes of the poisoning were linked to improper food storage during transportation, including exposure to heat and moisture, which could promote bacterial growth.
• 😀 Local authorities and health teams are investigating the cause of the food poisoning, with samples sent for analysis to determine the exact cause of the outbreak.
• 😀 The incident has raised concerns about infrastructure, with the community calling for better roads and easier access to emergency medical services in the future.

Q & A

What is adobo, and why is it significant in Filipino culture?

Adobo is a popular Filipino dish, typically made with chicken or pork, marinated in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and other seasonings. It is often considered a staple and comfort food, symbolizing Filipino culinary traditions.

Why did more than 200 people in Agusan del Sur get food poisoning from adobo?

The food poisoning occurred after a mass feeding event where a large number of people ate chicken liver adobo that was improperly stored, possibly exposed to heat, causing bacteria to grow. The food may have gone bad before being served.

What were the symptoms experienced by the victims of the food poisoning?

The victims experienced vomiting, stomach pain, weakness, dizziness, and some even fainted or had convulsions. The most vulnerable were children, with the youngest victim being only one year old.

What role did the local hospital play in treating the food poisoning victims?

The local hospital struggled to accommodate the large number of patients. Due to limited resources, patients were treated with intravenous fluids, medications for vomiting and stomach pain, and the hospital's capacity was overwhelmed as multiple people had to share beds.

What were some of the logistical challenges in getting the victims to medical care?

The patients had to be transported by small boats across a river to reach the nearest hospital. The boats were overcrowded, and some people were in severe pain, with many vomiting during the journey.

What is the FATTOM acronym, and how does it relate to food safety in this case?

FATTOM stands for Food, Acidity, Time, Temperature, Oxygen, and Moisture, which are factors that influence the growth of bacteria. In this case, the chicken liver adobo might have been stored improperly, allowing bacteria to grow due to the heat and moisture.

Why did the Red Cross claim they were not at fault despite the food poisoning incident?

The Red Cross claimed they followed proper food handling protocols, having previously distributed food without incidents to over 70,000 people. They suggested that the cause of the poisoning might have been the water the residents drank rather than the food itself.

How did the community react to the food poisoning, especially the residents of Barangay Tandang Sora?

The residents were deeply shocked and scared. Many rushed to the hospital, and some feared that the food poisoning could be a late reaction. Despite the hardship, some expressed understanding and did not want to file complaints, focusing on improving local infrastructure for future emergencies.

What actions were taken by the local government to address the situation?

The local government provided medical aid and covered hospitalization costs. They also pointed out the ongoing road projects that might improve access to emergency care in the future. Despite the crisis, they emphasized the importance of having better infrastructure.

What are the expected results of the ongoing investigation into the food poisoning incident?

Specimens, including fecal samples from the patients and the chicken liver adobo, were sent for analysis to determine the exact cause of the food poisoning. The results were expected to be available the following week, which would clarify whether the food or water was the cause.