Sweets & Candies Poison 2,000 Students in the Philippines Due to Staphylococcus Contamination

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The number of infected school children in the Philippines has soared to 2000 as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the country has identified the bacteria Staphylococcus as the main cause of the outbreak.

According to Gulf News, the durian, mango and mangosteen-flavored ‘"endy Candies" have been found to be positive with Staphylococcus. These candies have been sold outside the schools by street vendors, who are now in the custody of authorities.

FDA acting deputy director-general Maria Lourdes Santiago said a five-day laboratory testing has began last Saturday to help rule out the presence of salmonella, E. coli, and other bacteria from the contaminated candies. She added that the contamination may have started in Davao City during the manufacturing and preparation of the candies or when the candies were cooked and repacked by the food vendors.

Santiago also said no mycotoxin contamination has been discovered from the candies but they are still checking for possible pesticide contamination. The results of the test may be announced today or on Saturday.

Furthermore, Manila Times adds that Health Secretary Janette Garin has asked the public, especially those in the food industry business, to practice proper hygiene when handling food products. Garmin said the Staphylococcus contamination may have spread by dirty hands and sweaty armpits of the vendors.

Garin has acknowledged that the country needs a stronger enforcement when it comes to food safety regulations in small towns and provinces. She said the FDA is having a hard time enforcing the policies especially if the product came from illegal distributors or backyard food industries.

Out of the 2000 victims, 1925 have been hospitalized due stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea—the main symptoms of food poisoning. Almost everyone has been reported to have recovered already except for one.

But it looks like the outbreak has left the Southern part of the Philippines and is now in the Greater Manila area of the country.

According to GMA News Online, nine students from Juan Sumulong National High School have been rushed to a Quezon City hospital yesterday due to stomach pains and nausea. The victims have experienced the symptoms after buying macaroon candies from an ambulant vendor inside the campus.

Dr. Jojo Mercado of the Quirino Memorial Medical Center said out of the nine victims, six where confined in the ICU because of slow heartbeat and intense fatigue. The hospital has acquired samples of the contaminated candies, which are now with the FDA for testing.