2 die in Cagayan food poisoning

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines – Two pre-schoolers died while some 42 others are still being treated in several hospitals due to food poisoning in Tuguegarao City Tuesday morning.

Superintendent Pedro Martirez, city police director, identified the fatalities as Eloisa Marie Ballad and Jessica Mae Bangayan, both five years old, and kindergarten pupils at Larion Bajo Elementary School in Barangay Larion Bajo.

The other victims, who were mostly primary graders and three faculty members, are still being treated at the city’s Cagayan Valley Medical Center and at the People’s General Hospital where they were rushed after eating contaminated noodles.

Mayor Delfin Ting has assured assistance for the victims, most of whom, according to reports, are now in stable conditions.

The victims bought the noodles in broth, locally called “sinantac,” at the school canteen, which was reportedly prepared around in the morning by the school’s Home Economics personnel led by teacher Nicolasa Fresado.

Martirez said initial investigations showed that the noodles could have been mistakenly mixed with crystallized oxalic acid.

The substance, according to reports, was placed inside a bottle along with other seasonings at the school’s home economics room.

“(The cooks) might have mistaken the substance for salt,” he said.

A colorless solid substance, salt-like oxalic acid is mainly used for cleaning or bleaching, especially removing stains or rust.

The victims were rushed to the hospitals after showing signs of dizziness and vomiting minutes after consuming the contaminated noodles. 

Dr. James Guzman, city health officer, said they have already sent blood samples of the victims and some of the leftovers of the contaminated noodles for laboratory analysis.

Martirez said there had been no complaints or charges filed so far against those responsible for the incident and they are still coordinating with the parents of the victims.

The incident should push the government to review chemical safety practices and procedures in schools following, according to EcoWaste Coalition, an environmental group.

“We urge Education Secretary Armin Luistro to order a thorough probe of the dreadful incident and initiate a review of current chemical policies and protocols in all schools to prevent a repeat of the tragic chemical error that claimed innocent lives in Tuguegarao City,” said Velvet Roxas, Steering Committee member of the EcoWaste Coalition.

Citing online material safety data sheet (MSDS) of oxalic acid, the group said that the substance is very corrosive to the human body and may be fatal if inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through the skin. – With Rhodina Villanueva, Rainier Allan Ronda