A heartbreaking incident of suspected food poisoning has shaken Iraq after a whole family became seriously ill after eating shawarma. The incident took place in the northern province of Erbil, where a couple and their five children ate the popular street food from a local street vendor. In a matter of minutes, the father started to show signs and sadly died 30 minutes later.
Their mother, who was also severely hit, was rushed to the hospital but could not be saved after medical intervention. She passed away shortly after being admitted. Their five children, who also took the same meal, are already undergoing treatment at the hospital. Medical personnel characterize their condition as stable but on close observation.
Authorities have opened a rapid investigation into the suspected food outlet where the contaminated shawarma was served. Early reports suggest bacterial contamination, likely caused by lack of hygiene or poor meat storage. Evidence was taken from the restaurant and it has been closed temporarily while a full inquiry is conducted.
The tragic accident has created a crisis of confidence in the food safety regulations in the country. People want tougher measures and frequent checks on restaurants to ensure such accidents do not occur in the future. The health authorities have appealed to the people to be vigilant and report if they notice any food poisoning symptoms in time.
