Longaniza school project kills boy in Nueva Ecija

MANILA, Philippines - A batch of skinless longaniza (Philippine sausage) prepared by a high school student as a school project proved deadly for her seven-year-old brother in Nueva Ecija province, a radio report said late Friday. Radio dzRH reported that the school project also downed two sisters of the student who prepared the food product, and is now the subject of an investigation by local food authorities. The fatality was identified Jovan Ganado, the first to eat the longaniza prepared by Lovelyn Ganado, 15, a third-year student at Santo Domingo Trade School. Jovan reportedly felt dizzy and complained of difficulty breathing before being rushed to a hospital. Also downed by the dish were their sisters Karen Joy, 9, and Michelle, 19. Karen Joy and Michelle were discharged from a local hospital Friday. School principal Antonio Castro ordered an investigation into the incident, saying this was the first time such an incident occurred. The local Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) also obtained samples of the longaniza. For her part, food trade teacher Martina Hilario admitted she did not closely supervise her students in preparing the skinless longaniza. - GMANews.TV