Limassol, Cyprus. State laboratory tests confirmed on Sunday that food poisoning affecting 74 people after a wedding reception in Limassol was caused by salmonella bacteria and bacillus cereus bacteria found in food served at the event. Twenty-one people were hospitalised.
Laboratory findings
Public health service director Herodotos Herodotou told the Cyprus News Agency that nine samples were taken from the food served at the wedding reception, which took place in Limassol last weekend. He said salmonella bacteria were found in a batch of chicken à la crème, while bacillus cereus bacteria were found in rice with vermicelli and penne with mushrooms.
Further analysis underway
Herodotou said the service is awaiting the results of further analyses. He added that the food tested so far had been found to be unsuitable for human consumption.
Next steps in the investigation
Asked how the service will proceed, Herodotou said interviews will now be held with those affected. He added that the Limassol district office has also been asked to prepare a report on the incident.
Complaint and suspension of operations
The case came to light after the newlywed couple filed a complaint about their guests falling ill. Investigations found that exactly 74 people developed symptoms of food poisoning after the wedding.
Earlier in the week, Herodotou had confirmed that the catering company which supplied the wedding had temporarily suspended its operations. He said authorities are empowered to order rolling four-day suspensions while investigations continue.
