By Liz Rahaman
The caterer, who is suspected of poisoning six primary school children, could have her food handler’s permit revoked for operating without a valid licence and further, faces prosecution for the May 31 poisoning incident.
The caterer was contracted by the organisers of the school drama festival to prepare a chicken meal that resulted in six primary school children being poisoned.
This is according to the Coordinator of the Food Safety and Environmental Health Department Carlton Frank, who confirmed that the children had ingested organophosphate pesticide from the food.
The pesticide is used by farmers to treat agricultural crops.
Quick thinking and reaction by the staff at the Emergency Service Unit of the Joseph N. France Hospital saved the lives of the six young students after they had consumed food contaminated with organophosphate .
Frank said that the report from the Multipurpose Laboratory, where samples of the chicken were sent for analysis, was expected shortly.
Asked what action would be taken by his Department against the caterer for operating with an expired license, Frank said her licence would be revoked.
He added that if she is found guilty for handling the chemical, she would face the law.
“We do not want to speculate, but the big problem is, we believe that she is a farmer and if it is proven that she handles this kind of toxic chemical and is indeed a farmer, then her licence would be revoked and she would be prosecuted,” Frank said.
Frank was quick to add that the individual in question is an experienced person who has been involved in the catering business since 2000. She is not new to the business, that is why the Drama Festival sought her out.
This must be some accident, he said.
A preliminary test carried out on the children at the time of admittance to the Joseph N. France Hospital had suggested that the chicken was contaminated with the poison.
It was ascertained that the children, aged between two and sixteen had all eaten chicken from the caterer.
The children were diagnosed with various stages of dehydration due to excessive vomiting. The clinical signs were contracted pupils, weakness and excessive secretions from the eyes and mouth.
While five of the six children were treated and released the same day, a 2-year old child was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) due to the lost fluid in his lungs.
The students were administered with high doses of atropine, the antidote for organophosphate poison found in several pesticides.
Asked what requirements are needed before food handling permits are issued by the Department, Frank said that handlers must undergo a medical examination, be free of all communicable diseases and attend at least one session of the food safety session that are held two times per month.
Frank said permits are granted on an annual basis to those who cater on a daily basis and to others who do it occasionally.
“Those should still renew their permits,” he added and ascertained that caterer’s premises are inspected quarterly by the Food and Safety Department.
