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Employee's homemade meal blamed for mass food poisoning at Maryland seafood distributor

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Published  October 22, 2024 11:28pm EDT
Maryland
FOX 5 DC

Mass food poisoning scare linked to meal made by employee

A mass food poisoning incident at a Maryland seafood distributor may be linked to food made by an employee, according to the Howard County Health Department.

JESSUP, Md. - NAFCO Wholesale Seafood Distributors in Jessup, Maryland, says Monday's mass food poisoning incident, which left 46 people seeking medical attention, was caused by homemade food prepared by an employee.

"The [Howard County Health Department] investigation has preliminarily determined that an employee prepared food at his home over the weekend, ultimately serving the homemade food to fellow employees who became sick yesterday," the company said in a statement released Tuesday. 

In the hours following the meal, nearly 50 workers displayed symptoms of food poisoning. 

"NAFCO wishes those affected a safe and speedy recovery," the company added. 

They clarified that no consumers or other outlets were impacted.

Multiple people hospitalized following mass food poisoning incident in Howard County

Multiple people have been hospitalized following a suspected mass food poisoning incident at a seafood wholesale factory in Howard County.

NAFCO also emphasized that their products continue to meet the highest safety standards, stating, "NAFCO maintains the highest standards of food safety and regularly undergoes rigorous inspections by health authorities." 

The company said that its supply chain remains unaffected, and its products are safe for consumption nationwide.

On Monday, emergency responders from the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services arrived at the facility on Chesapeake Bay Court around 3:45 p.m. following reports of multiple workers feeling unwell.

All 46 adults were evaluated at the scene and transported to nearby hospitals. Fortunately, none of the patients were in critical condition and were treated and monitored before being released. Emergency teams from Anne Arundel and Baltimore Counties provided additional assistance.