The Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) said in a statement on Friday that it is investigating a suspected food poisoning case that was reported on Thursday, sickening five people.
According to the statement, the quintet ate together in a restaurant in Avenida 1 de Maio in Areia Preta at 8:30 p.m. last Monday, adding that the group had ordered grilled oysters for dinner.
The statement noted that the patients started to feel unwell on Wednesday at around 5:30 a.m. and showed gastroenteritis symptoms such as vomiting, stomachache and diarrhoea.
The statement said that after investigation, the bureau concluded that the quintet did not eat any other meals together within the 72-hour incubation period, therefore it suspects the food in the restaurant caused the food poisoning.
The statement noted that IAM officials went to the restaurant to investigate, and found that the eatery needed to improve its overall hygiene. The statement pointed out that IAM officials asked the restaurant to clean its entire premises and asked the restaurant staff to attend food safety courses.
According to the statement, during the winter and spring seasons the norovirus is the main cause of stomach flu, adding that it is often caused by undercooked shellfish. The bureau urged people working in the food industry to pay close attention to personal hygiene. The statement also said that eateries should know the origin of their imported goods and keep a receipt or a transaction record.
The statement also said that food must be stored at a suitable temperature and environment. The bureau urged residents to ensure shellfish is completely cooked before eating, adding that children, seniors and pregnant women should avoid eating uncooked or raw seafood.
