Salmonella has been confirmed in cooked chicken served with cream sauce, while the bacterium Bacillus cereus was detected in rice with vermicelli and mushroom penne pasta, according to the Director of Health Services, Herodotos Herodotou.
Speaking about the mass food poisoning incident that occurred at a wedding reception in Limassol last Sunday, Herodotou said that a total of nine food samples had been collected and submitted for laboratory analysis by the State General Laboratory.
He added that results from the remaining samples are still pending and did not rule out the possibility that further testing for toxins may be required.
Based on the findings received so far, the affected food items have already been deemed unfit for consumption.
Asked about the next steps, Herodotou said that Health Services are completing the recording of interviews conducted with those affected by the outbreak. They are also awaiting a factual report from the Limassol district office before compiling a final investigation report.
Once the investigation is completed, authorities intend to proceed with legal action.
Regarding reports of a separate wedding reception held the previous Saturday at another venue and catered by the same company, Herodotou said that the Health Services have not received any official information or complaints concerning that event.
He renewed his appeal for anyone who may have information related to the incident, or who experienced food poisoning symptoms, to contact the authorities.
Source: Cyprus News Agency (CNA), Phileleutheros
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