It would not be wrong to say that no Korean meal is complete without kimchi. The dish is quite popular in every part of the world. However, did you know that about 1,000 people in South Korea are suffering from food poisoning after reportedly eating this delicacy? According to BBC, mass illness is reported in South Korea linked to consumption of kimchi contaminated with norovirus. The report also mentioned that on Friday morning, officials in Namwon City, in the southwest of the country, announced that there had been 996 confirmed cases. Local media reports say that the number had increased to 1,024 by early Saturday afternoon, the report added.
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The publication also reported that, according to authorities, the contaminated kimchi was distributed through school meals in the city. They added that students and staff from 24 schools were among the patients who are now complaining of various symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pains.
Norovirus is a highly contagious disease that can be contracted by touching contaminated surfaces and from people who are already infected. Namwon City officials began an epidemiological investigation on Wednesday after the first case was reported the previous day. The number of cases quickly increased from 153 on Wednesday to 745 by Thursday, the reported stated.
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City officials reported that norovirus was found in patients, environmental samples, and some of the kimchi regularly delivered to schools. As a result, the disaster and safety department temporarily stopped the production and sale of any products from the company that made the kimchi. The company is also voluntarily recalling products that have already been distributed. The name of the kimchi producer has not yet been released.
