Convicts hit by food poisoning

DILI, East Timor: At least 63 convicts in the Becora penitentiary here are suffering from food poisoning, with 30 needing to be treated in hospital.

The head of the Becora health center, Dr. Ni Luh Gede Sukardiasa, confirmed that the food poisoning occurred after lunch on Tuesday.

About one hour later about 10 inmates complained of severe dizziness and nausea.

"The number continued to rise, and by late in the evening there were 63 victims," said the doctor as quoted by Antara yesterday.

The menu for lunch was sweet potatoes and vegetable marrow, with red peanuts and fish.

Health officials are still investigating the exact cause of the food poisoning because all 265 inmates in the prison ate the same menu.