Ammon News - Director of Epidemiology at the Ministry of Health Dr. Ayman Maqableh, said ministry teams have so far recorded 11 suspected poisoning cases among students at a school in Irbid Governorate who sought treatment at a private hospital, while one student was admitted for observation and monitoring.

Maqableh explained that epidemiological investigation and rapid response teams from the Ministry of Health, in coordination with the Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA), have begun investigating the suspected poisoning cases.

He noted that the JFDA took a precautionary measure by shutting down a restaurant contracted by the school that supplies meals to its cafeterias. The meals are suspected of causing stomach pain and poisoning-like symptoms among students.

Specialized teams collected food samples from the school cafeterias and the restaurant for laboratory testing, in addition to obtaining samples to verify the health status of workers at the restaurant and school cafeterias. The aim is to determine the cause of the suspected poisoning cases and take the necessary measures to protect students’ safety, Maqableh added.

The sale of meat products in school cafeterias is prohibited, and full compliance with health regulations governing school cafeterias is mandatory, according to JFDA.

Earlier, Irbid Health Director Dr. Shadi Bani Hani said precautionary measures were taken after 48 students reported symptoms including abdominal pain, fever, and diarrhea.