172 elementary pupils in Calamba City sent to hospitals due to possible food poisoning

CALAMBA CITY, Laguna — A total of 172 pupils of Real Elementary School in this city were brought to various hospitals here today when they vomited and complained of stomach aches after eating cupcakes and ice candy.

School principal Marivic Calderon said there was a scheduled activity of the Haribon Foundation on biodiversity and climate change (Biodiversity on Wheels) that include storytelling, film showing and learning sessions to Grades I to Grade VI pupils from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m Friday.

However, at 11:00 a.m., the pupils were given cupcakes and ice candy for their snacks which were reportedly served by AMS Asia Inc.

personnel. Thereafter, pupils vomited and complained of stomach ache.

Mayor Justin Chipeco immediately instructed Jeff Rodriguez, head of Public Affairs Office, to bring all the children to various hospitals in the city even those who have not yet shown symptoms for proper diagnostic examination and treatment.

One hundred one pupils were brought to Calamba Medical Center, 45 pupils to Pamana Hospital, 22 pupils to St. John Hospital; and four to the Jose P. Rizal Memorial Hospital.

City Health Officer Dr. Adelino Labro brought samples of the cupcakes to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in the nearby town of Los Banos and to the Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) in Alabang, Muntinlupa while the staff of the City Health Office and Mayor’s Office were already deployed to various hospitals to assist the children and their parents.

Rodriguez said Mayor Chipeco assured the parents and relatives of the pupils of support from the local government based on the results of the diagnostic testing while emphasizing the order of the mayor to file charges against those responsible for the incident.