Over 100 get suspected 'food poisoning' in Batam

Fadli, The Jakarta Post/Batam

Over 100 employees of a contact lens factory in Batam were admitted to hospital on Thursday, allegedly for food poisoning. Deputy director of Batam Authority Hospital Afdalun A. Hakim confirmed the hospital was treating 55 employees, most of whom were dehydrated after vomiting uncontrollably.

Other patients were treated at Casa Medical Center and Batam Industrial Park Medical Center.

Meanwhile, Atminingsih, 25, who spoke on behalf of the employees at Casa Medical Center, recalled that over 100 employees were hospitalized after eating breakfast provided to them by the management of contact lens maker PT Ciba Vision.

According to her records, some 50 employees were treated at Casa Medical Center, 30 at Batam Industrial Park Medical Center and the remaining 55 at Batam Authority Hospital.

Atminingsih said meals were served by the company twice a day.

The company has some 2,000 employees.

"I believe that many other employees also suffered from food poisoning, but they apparently went straight home," said Atminingsih. No company officials were available for comment on Thursday.

Separately, head of Batam Municipality Health Office Puardi Djarius said the office was investigating the case.

"We will check whether the food was hygienically prepared," said Puardi.