Ice candy, cupcakes down 361 students in Laguna

MANILA, Philippines - At least 361 students of the Real Elementary School in Calamba, Laguna were brought to various hospitals after vomiting and complaining of stomach pain, dizziness and nausea after eating ice candy and cupcakes.

Christopher Nemes, administration officer of the Calamba City Public Order and Safety Office, said 131 students were brought to the Calamba Medical Center, Calamba Doctors Hospital (50), San Sebastian Medical Center (36), Saints John and Paul Medical Center (69), St. John the Baptist Medical Center (63) and St. Francis Cabrini Hospital in Sto. Tomas, Batangas (12). 

Nemes said the parent of one of the students was among the victims.

He said the students were given free cupcakes and ice candy by a non-government organization during a feeding program in observance of Nutrition Month.

“We do not know the flavor of the ice candy but it appears to contain milk based on its appearance,” Nemes told The STAR.

He said samples of the ice candy and cupcake are in the custody of barangay officials for testing. Police said the principal of the school was invited for questioning.

Nemes said the number of reported victims is expected to increase as some students decided to go home when they fell ill. – With Ed Amoroso, Arnell Ozaeta