127 treated for food poisoning

At least 127 children who survived the Dec. 26 tsunami had to receive medical treatment in Aceh province for alleged food poisoning on Sunday.

The victims were among some 1,500 children attending an arts and creativity contest held to celebrate National Children's Day in Darussalam district, Banda Aceh. The children were from refugee camps across Aceh. A number of them said they believed they were poisoned by timphan, a traditional Acehnese food made from rice flour, which was served by a catering firm during the event.

At least 102 of the 127 children were taken to the Zainoel Abidin Hospital and the remaining 25 were receiving treatment in their refugee camps. Physicians said they were investigating the cause of the poisoning. The event was jointly organized by overseas non-governmental organization Church World Service and its domestic partner, the Education Institute for the Nation's Children. --JP