More Kids Poisoned With Candy

[Jollygoodfellow]

Last week heap of kids with food poisoning and now it seems like someone deliberately trying to harm more kids.   :angry:

 

 

Toxic pesticide organophosphate found in macapuno candy samples - QMMC

 

A spokesperson of the Quirino Memorial Medical Center (QMMC) confirmed on Friday (July 17) that organophosphate was found in the macapuno candies bought by students from Juan Sumulong National High School.

 

Nine students showed food poisoning symptoms, such as vomiting and stomach pain, and were rushed to QMMC on Thursday (July 16) after eating the candies. They are aged 12 to 16 years old.

 

 

 

Organophoshate is a common pesticide, but it was developed as nerve poison for chemical warfare during the World War II. QMMC spokesperson Dr. Jojo Mercado said the chemical should not be in food products.

 

"Dangerous siya kasi there is a direct effect sa heart. Ang bottom line here is hindi dapat hinahalo sa pagkain," he said.

 

[Translation: It's dangerous because there is a direct effect to the heart. The bottom line is that it shouldn't be in food products.]

 

For now, Mercado reported that eight students, composed of four boys and four girls, are already in stable condition and were moved to the pediatric ward.

 

One 16-year old girl, however, is still in critical condition and is under intensive care as her heart rate has not yet normalized. Mercado said the girl has ingested about three packs or 36 pieces of the candy.

 

The students were treated with fluid intake and medication to help regularize their heart rates.

 

When asked about the link between this case and the durian candy food poisoning in Caraga last week, Mercado said he sees no medical basis to connect them. Almost 2,000 people were affected by the durian candy poisoning.

 

Related: DOH waiting for FDA, RITM reports on durian candy poisoning

 

How the food got contaminated

Dr. Kenneth Go, acting director general of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), said QMMC's findings must still be confirmed. He added that the FDA is still testing the samples sent to it.

 

He explained that organophosphate is a legal pesticide used in agriculture and even in households to repel insects, such as cockroaches, and other small pests.

 

Go said that it is possible for food products to get contaminated if containers, utensils, or ingredients used to prepare the candies were contaminated by the chemical.

 

Revisit school policies

Both the Quezon City's Department of Public Order and Safety and the Quezon City Police District are investigating the incident.

 

Mayor Herbert Bautista said that there are plans to have a discussion with some school authorities to revisit their policies on the sale of food.

 

According to reports, an alleged working student sneaked inside the school on Thursday morning and sold the candy to students from two classes.

 

Supt. Marlou Martinez said that as soon as the patients recover, the police will interview them to get a sketch of what the vendor looks like.

 

http://cnnphilippines.com/metro/2015/07/17/toxic-pesticide-organophosphate-found-in-macapuno-candy-samples---qmmc.html

[Thomas]

Organophoshate is a common pesticide, but it was developed as nerve poison for chemical warfare during the World War II. QMMC spokesperson Dr. Jojo Mercado said the chemical should not be in food products.

I think such should be no where...