SEVENTY-ONE pupils of SK Tasek Apong in Sg Petani were down with suspected food poisoning over the weekend, after eating nasi lemak with chicken during a school cross-country run on Saturday.

The children were reported to have suffered from vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain about 10am yesterday, and personnel from the Kuala Muda Health Office visited the school immediately upon being informed about the matter, said Kedah health director Dr Norhizan Ismail.

He told Bernama today that the health officers found that 66 of the affected pupils did not attend school yesterday, and that altogether, 71 pupils suffered from food poisoning.

“Two pupils were treated at a private hospital. One of them has been discharged, and the other has been warded and is reported to be in stable condition.

“Three pupils were given outpatient treatment at Sultan Abdul Halim Hospital. The other pupils were given home remedies.”

He said the nasi lemak was from an external caterer for the cross-country run, in which 480 Year Three to Year Six pupils took part.

He added that an investigation was ongoing to determine the cause of the food poisoning.

Dr Norhizan advised parents to take their children to the nearest clinic if they showed symptoms of food poisoning.

“Schools are also advised to ensure that food sold or provided is handled by the schools’ canteen, as the operators are trained to handle food.

“They must monitor the condition of the affected pupils and report to the nearest health office if the pupils continue to suffer from food poisoning.”

He urged the people to practise good hygiene, and to ensure food was safe for consumption before tucking in. – Bernama, February 12, 2018.