Convicts hit by food poisoning

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.