Food Poisoning at Keikyu Department Store: 130 Affected and 90-Year-Old Woman Dies After Eating Eel Bento
Food Poisoning at Keikyu Department Store: 130 Affected and 90-Year-Old Woman Dies After Eating Eel Bento
Introduction
A recent food poisoning incident at the Keikyu Department Store in Kounan Ward, Yokohama, has shocked many. The eel restaurant 'Nihonbashi Unagi Unagijo Isejo,' located within the department store, sold eel bento boxes to commemorate the traditional Doyo-no-urushi day on July 24 and 25. After consuming these bentos, 130 people reported symptoms of nausea and diarrhea, and a 90-year-old woman sadly passed away.
According to the Yokohama City Health Department, out of 982 people who ate the eel bentos, 130 experienced symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. The cause of the 90-year-old woman's death is currently unclear, but the health department has identified Staphylococcus aureus in some of the affected individuals, leading to a food poisoning diagnosis and a subsequent business suspension for Isejo.
Incident Overview
Nihonbashi Unagi Unagijo Isejo is renowned for its traditional eel dishes and has been known to offer special bento boxes during the Doyo-no-urushi day each year. Unfortunately, this year's event resulted in a tragic outcome.
Customers who consumed the eel bentos reported symptoms including nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting, leading many to seek immediate medical attention. The health department's investigation found that Staphylococcus aureus was present in the bentos, which is considered the cause of the food poisoning outbreak.
The death of the 90-year-old woman has not been definitively linked to the food poisoning, and further investigation is required. Meanwhile, the majority of the affected individuals are in mild condition, with two currently hospitalized for ongoing observation.
Response and Follow-Up
In response to the incident, Keikyu Department Store and Nihonbashi Unagi Unagijo Isejo held a press conference to issue apologies. Keikyu Department Store’s President, Kaneko Shinsa, stated, “We take this matter very seriously and will dedicate all efforts to identify the cause and prevent future occurrences.”
Nihonbashi Unagi Unagijo Isejo has voluntarily suspended operations and is cooperating with both internal and health department investigations. Enhanced food safety inspections will be implemented, and compensation procedures for affected customers are under consideration.
Conclusion
This incident highlights the critical importance of food safety management. The unfortunate turn of events, involving a traditional dish like eel, underscores the need for stringent hygiene practices and adherence to food safety standards. Both the relevant agencies and the restaurant must ensure a thorough investigation and implement measures to prevent recurrence.
It is hoped that the situation will be resolved swiftly and that all affected individuals will recover fully.
Keywords: Keikyu Department Store, eel restaurant, Nihonbashi Unagi Unagijo Isejo, food poisoning, Staphylococcus aureus, bento box, food safety, food poisoning symptoms, Yokohama, Doyo-no-urushi day
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