A preliminary indication of salmonella contamination in a chicken with cream dish has emerged from ongoing laboratory analyses linked to the mass food poisoning investigation in Limassol, according to the Head of Health Services at the Ministry of Health, Herodotos Herodotou.
Speaking to CNA, Herodotou stressed that the finding is not yet conclusive and awaits confirmation through additional testing expected over the weekend.
“We have a first indication that needs to be confirmed in the coming days, either tomorrow or the day after. This indication suggests salmonella was present in chicken with cream, but it must be verified,” he said.
Salmonella also detected in patient samples
Herodotou added that preliminary findings also appear to show salmonella in stool samples taken from affected individuals.
However, hospitals continue to carry out their own laboratory analyses and are expected to submit official reports to the relevant authorities.
The investigation follows a mass food poisoning incident linked to a wedding reception in Limassol, where dozens of guests reportedly developed symptoms and several required hospital treatment.
Authorities examining multiple causes
Health officials are also investigating whether more than one pathogen may have been involved.
According to Herodotou, some individuals developed symptoms within a very short period, leading investigators to consider the possibility of a toxin-producing bacterium in addition to salmonella.
“We are studying the possibility that some people were affected by a toxin-producing microorganism. Therefore, both salmonella and a toxin-producing bacterium may be involved,” he said.
Catering business remains closed
The catering facility under investigation remains suspended as authorities continue their inquiries.
Herodotou explained that the law allows Health Services to extend the suspension every four days until officials are satisfied that any public health risk has been eliminated.
The company must demonstrate that it has identified the source of the problem, implemented effective control measures, carried out the necessary disinfection procedures and ensured that its HACCP food safety system is adequate for its operational scale.
“When the company proves that its current system is appropriate for the volume of work it carries out, we will grant permission for it to reopen,” he said.
Second incident also under review
Authorities are also examining a second possible food poisoning incident linked to the same catering provider.
The latest information received by Health Services concerns another wedding reception held last Saturday and reportedly serviced by the same company.
Herodotou called on anyone with relevant information to contact the authorities.
Regarding possible criminal liability, he said any legal action would be considered only after investigators establish beyond reasonable doubt a direct connection between the food poisoning cases and the suspected food products.
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