Watan-A stir has been caused in Saudi Arabia after a mass poisoning incident at one of the kingdom’s famous restaurants, prompting an official response to the situation.
In detail, Riyadh Municipality revealed the details of the food poisoning cases.
Riyadh Municipality stated that it received a report from the committee responsible for monitoring cases of food poisoning, including the detection of food poisoning cases in Riyadh city originating from a commercial establishment with multiple branches.
Field health inspection teams intervened at the sites, closed the establishment branches, and its main central laboratory supplying its chain of branches in the Riyadh region. Necessary measures were taken according to health protocols for such emergency cases.
Delivery services through the establishment or applications were suspended, and municipality teams began communication and coordination with the Ministry of Health, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, and the Public Health Authority, according to a statement from the municipality.
The municipality clarified that it is still operating all its regulatory devices within the committee responsible for monitoring cases of food poisoning, and its inspection rounds continue according to the highest standards to maintain the environmental and health safety of the population.
It pointed out that no cases of poisoning from other sources have been recorded, and any developments requiring clarification will be addressed if they arise.
بيان صحفي:
حفاظًا على السلامة العامة وصحة السكان، #أمانة_منطقة_الرياض توضح ما تم تداوله عن حالات تسمم غذائي، وتؤكد اتخاذ كافة التدابير الوقائية اللازمة مع كافة الجهات ذات العلاقة 📍 pic.twitter.com/vQD3jhtAfc
— أمانة منطقة الرياض (@Amanatalriyadh) April 26, 2024
Restaurant owner’s comment
On his part, Nawaf Al-Fawzan, founder of Hamburgini Restaurants, commented on the incident following Riyadh Municipality’s statement.
Nawaf Al-Fawzan appeared in a video saying, “We received a call from Riyadh Municipality about several cases of poisoning, and all these cases consumed a meal from one of our branches in Riyadh.”
He added that the Municipality requested the closure of all branches, as well as the central laboratory in the central region, to conduct all tests and examinations to determine the main cause of the poisoning.
Al-Fawzan continued, “Due to our strong belief in food safety and product quality, which are fundamental elements of our work, we immediately took direct action by closing all sales outlets and canceling all orders for delivery.”
He further stated, “So far, the cause has not been disclosed, and we are working hand in hand with all relevant authorities to take all necessary precautions and measures.”
بعد صدور بيان وزارة الصحة حول إصابة 15 شخصاً بحالة تسمم غذائي
نواف الفوزان، مؤسس مطاعم هامبرغيني :
“طلبت منا الامانة اغلاق جميع فروعنا في مدينة الرياض وكذلك المعمل المركزي في المنطقة الوسطى وتم إلغاء جميع طلبات منافذ البيع وتطبيقات التوصيل ، وحتى هذه اللحظة لم يتم الافصاح عن… pic.twitter.com/h9ETYoBgeu
— محمد | قصة لا تنتهي (@Tob510) April 26, 2024
He emphasized that they work based on quality standards and apply the highest international standards and food safety specifications.
The story began with the announcement of dozens being affected by poisoning from one of the restaurants in the Saudi capital Riyadh, which has several other branches.
Saudi Ministry of Health spokesperson, Mohammed Al-Abdulaali, said via “X”: “We assure you that 6 cases have recovered after receiving necessary healthcare and two cases have safely left the hospital, thank God.”
He added: “Epidemiological investigation and integration with relevant authorities have resulted in reducing the risks of infection and reaching most cases, thank God. Medically, 35 cases are being monitored, including 28 cases in intensive care, wishing everyone health and wellness… We always emphasize obtaining information, advice, and guidance from official sources.”
نطمئنكم بتماثل 6 حالات للتعافي بعد تلقي الرعاية الصحية اللازمة وخروج حالتين بالسلامة بحمد الله.
التقصي الوبائي والتكامل مع الجهات المعنية أثمر عن تقليل مخاطر الإصابة والوصول لمعظم الحالات بحمد الله، ويتم طبياً متابعة 35 حالة منومة منها 28 حالة في العناية المركزة، راجين للجميع… https://t.co/zn8AeP8h24— المتحدث الرسمي لوزارة الصحة (@spokesman_moh) April 26, 2024
Al-Abdulaali had previously stated: “We would like to clarify that a limited number of food poisoning cases have been detected in Riyadh city, and the confirmed number of cases so far is 15, all traced back through epidemiological investigation to one place, which has been closed. The cases are receiving necessary medical care, and necessary measures are being taken in coordination with all relevant authorities.”