47 Hospitalised: Mass Food Poisoning in St. Julian’s

Food Poisoning Outbreak: 47 Hospitalised After St. Julian’s Event

In the heart of Malta’s bustling St. Julian’s, an evening of revelry turned into a night of worry as 47 people were rushed to hospital following a suspected mass food poisoning incident. The event, held at the popular Tigne’ Seafront, left partygoers with stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea, casting a shadow over the otherwise lively Paceville scene.

Emergency Services Swamped

The Malta Red Cross and Civil Protection Department were inundated with calls around midnight, with reports of people falling ill en masse. Ambulances ferried the sick to Mater Dei Hospital, where medics worked through the night to stabilise the patients. As of now, no critical cases have been reported, but the incident has raised alarm bells among health authorities.

Investigations Underway

The Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Directorate has launched an investigation into the incident. Samples of the suspected contaminated food have been collected and sent for testing. Meanwhile, the event organisers have been cooperative, providing authorities with details of their catering services. The public is advised to avoid eating at the caterer in question until further notice.

This is not the first time Malta has grappled with a mass food poisoning incident. In 2019, over 100 people fell ill after consuming contaminated food at a wedding in Rabat. The recent incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of food safety, especially in the busy event season.

For now, the focus is on treating those affected and identifying the source of the contamination. We’ll keep you updated as more information comes to light. If you or someone you know was at the event and has fallen ill, please contact the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Directorate.