Univasf (Federal University of Vale de San Francisco) in the state of Bahia is investigating on the 11th after 142 students allegedly contracted food poisoning after having lunch at the university’s restaurant on the Juazeiro campus in the north of the state.
The analysis was conducted by the University Restaurant General Coordination Office and the Technical Nutrition Team following reports from students and faculty about outbreaks of fatigue and gastrointestinal infections on campus.
In a Whatsapp group, students exchanged information about their collective discomfort after having lunch at a university restaurant. They created a list with names and symptoms and submitted it to the Restaurant Coordination Authority.
“We would like to reassure you that this fact is being treated seriously given its seriousness and potential impact on the health of the community,” the coordinating body’s memo said.
The university contacted the nutrition team responsible for contracting with the outsourced restaurant and began an investigation.
Restaurants will be required to submit an analysis of food samples and a report on what happened and what actions were taken.
“We emphasize that the responsibility for food safety and quality rests with the contracting company and that all appropriate measures will be applied to ensure compliance with the contract and food safety,” Univasf’s statement concludes.
The case was also forwarded to the Juazeiro Health Surveillance Department.