Authorities in Romania are investigating reports of food poisoning at a wedding.
The National Sanitary, Veterinary and Food Safety Authority (ANSVSA) and inspectors from DSVSA Sibiu carried out checks at Brukenthal Palace in Avrig this past week.
Officials became aware of the incident after several people complained of symptoms matching possible food poisoning.
During a private event held at Brukenthal Palace, attended by 80 guests, 30 people were medically assisted. Of these, 20 went to the hospital for further treatment.
Samples have been taken to see if food prepared and served during the event is responsible for the illnesses.
ANSVSA said that, at this stage, there is only a suspicion of food poisoning and establishing the cause and the possible link between food products consumed and the symptoms of affected people will be carried out through epidemiological investigations and laboratory analyses.
Dr. Alexandru Bociu, president of ANSVSA, said food safety and protecting consumer health are a priority for the agency.
“DSVSA Sibiu inspectors are acting with maximum efficiency to identify the causes of this incident, and legal measures will be ordered as soon as the checks are completed.”
Following the controls carried out, non-conformities were found and inspectors of DSVSA Sibiu issued an order to suspend activities and applied a sanction of 30,000 lei ($6,500).
The fine was for deficiencies regarding hygiene conditions, the marketing and use of food products without proper identification, and for the failure to maintain production and storage spaces. DSVSA Sibiu officers also ordered the official detention of 15.6-kilograms of food products.
Illnesses at school
Earlier in September, operations at a catering company linked to an outbreak at a school were suspended.
The suspected food poisoning at Căiuți Middle School, Bacău County was noted by ANSVSA and DSVSA Bacău inspectors. A total of 26 children with symptoms were reported, all students at the school, and an 8-year-old child was hospitalized.
Students who fell ill consumed pasta with tomato sauce, chicken and apple as part of a meal program. Food was provided by a catering unit in Vrancea County, in the municipality of Adjud.
Following non-conformities detected at the site that prepared and delivered the food products, authorities ordered the suspension of activities and applied a sanction of 65,000 lei ($14,000).
Dr. Alexandru Bociu said there is no room for compromise when it comes to the safety of food intended for children.
“The suspension of activity and the sanction applied in this case are measures that reflect the seriousness of the non-conformities found. At the same time, we must be very careful not to draw conclusions before all analyses are completed. Our priority is the health of children and the accurate identification of the causes that led to this situation.”
