A series of cases of Salmonella food poisoning have been confirmed in Tokyo, impacting 78 people aged between 1 and 61. The city’s Metropolitan Government disclosed the incident on August 3, stating that the individuals experienced diarrhea, abdominal pain and fever after eating “cold crab ramen” during the Azabu Juban Summer Festival. This event took place on August 22nd and 23rd, in the Minato neighborhood. The bacteria was identified in both patients and employees of the establishment that offered the dish, and although three people were hospitalized, all show signs of recovery.
Health authorities, through the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Department of Public Health and Medical Services, were alerted on August 26, when one of those affected visited the Minato Public Health Center. The person reported contracting the disease after consuming ice-cold crab ramen at a festival. Subsequent investigation conducted by the health center confirmed that all patients who displayed symptoms had consumed the same type of iced ramen during the festival, held on August 22 and 23.
In response to public health incidents, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government ordered the suspension of operations at the store responsible for preparing the food. The establishment must remain closed for a period of seven days, as a punitive and preventive measure to avoid new cases of contamination at large events.
