LAOAG CITY: Enhanced food safety measures are being undertaken at state-run Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) after 59 students and 12 teachers of the College of Computing and Information Sciences suffered from food poisoning during the weekend. Herdy Yumul, director of the strategic communication office of MMSU, told the Philippine News Agency on Tuesday the victims experienced stomach ache, vomiting, and loose bowel movement after eating chicken afritada (tomato-based stew) and string beans adobo (soy sauce and vinegar-based) they ordered from outside the school.

According to Philippines News Agency, the group came from a practice for the University Games, slated Nov. 11 to 15. MMSU expressed its ‘deep concern’ over the incident and emphasized the priority of the safety and well-being of the university community in a Facebook post on Tuesday. The post also clarified that the university’s food service and auxiliary concessionaires were not involved in the incident.

In response to the situation, MMSU i
s providing necessary support to the affected students and their families. The university has assured that the pending academic requirements of the affected students will be taken into consideration during their recovery. Food poisoning is often caused by bacteria and improper handling, such as undercooking, highlighting the need for stringent food safety measures.