A food poisoning outbreak at NAFCO Wholesale Seafood Distributors in Jessup, Maryland has hospitalized 46 employees after a company gathering. Over 40 people have been sickened.
Outbreak Details
An unexpected outbreak occurred at NAFCO Wholesale Seafood Distributors when employees were hospitalized due to food poisoning. The incident happened after a company gathering where individuals consumed a homemade pancit dish prepared by an employee. Howard County Health Department announced an investigation to pinpoint the contamination source and assess the safety practices involved in the preparation.
On-the-ground reports from those affected confirm that the meal was shared in the parking lot, and symptoms started cropping up just a few hours after consumption. Howard County Fire and EMS responded quickly to the situation around 3:40 p.m., ensuring swift medical attention for those impacted.
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. https://t.co/xWPPqgHfhv
— FOX 5 DC (@fox5dc) October 23, 2024
Response and Investigation
NAFCO is cooperating fully with health authorities. Their representatives stated, “The 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.” This statement comes amid assurance from NAFCO’s parent company, Stanley Pearlman Enterprises, about their commitment to health standards.
“NAFCO operates under the highest health and safety standards in the industry. Our headquarters and facilities are regularly inspected and monitored by the relevant health authorities to ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations.” – NAFCO’s parent company Stanley Pearlman Enterprises
Efforts are under way to test the pancit dish and medical specimens from the affected individuals. Dr. Clifford Mitchell is leading the investigation, stating, “If we can get samples of the food itself and test it in our laboratory, and then we will also look at specimens from individuals who have sought medical care to identify the causal agent or agents.”
A Howard County hospital is on “mini disaster alert” after 46 people became sick with food poisoning from a seafood distributor, according to Howard County Fire and EMS officials. https://t.co/txZ8IlTHmu
— 7News DC (@7NewsDC) October 21, 2024
Impact on Operations
The hospital issued a “mini disaster alert” due to the influx of patients. In response to the outbreak, NAFCO officials have enforced new policies to prevent similar incidents. The company will no longer permit outside food on the premises, a noticeable pivot in their food safety policies.
Despite the turmoil, NAFCO maintains that this is an isolated incident and that consumer safety was not compromised. They continue to promise that their seafood products remain safe for distribution and consumption, with routine health inspections to bolster confidence.