Rizal schools probed for food poisoning cases

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Education (DepEd) started Wednesday an investigation into a food poisoning incident that downed some 80 pupils in two schools in Antipolo City Tuesday. Radio dzBB's Sam Nielsen reported that DepEd Health and Nutrition Center director Thelma Santos ordered officials of the the Mambugan and Cupang Elementary Schools in Antipolo City to submit a report on the incidents immediately. Citing initial reports reaching her office, Santos said the students fell ill after eating puto (rice cake) and kutsinta (rice muffins) and bread. The DepEd official said the investigation will zero in on whether the schools followed procedures in handling food, and establish the identity of the food supplier. Many of the students were hospitalized after suffering from vomiting and stomachache reportedly due to the spoiled food they bought and ate from their school canteen. Cupang Elementary School principal Iluminada Calixto said the school will shoulder the medical bills of the affected students. - GMANews.TV