Spoiled food consumed by many

BANJARNEGARA, Central Java (JP): Eleven residents of Plorengan village in Banjarnegara regency fell unconscious after consuming tempe bongkrek (fermented tofu cake) for lunch on Thursday.

The victims, four of whom came from one family, are being treated at the Banjarnegara hospital.

The residents reportedly could not afford any other dish.

"I've been told that many residents here have consumed tempe bongkrek for the past seven months... they either buy it in kiosks or make it themselves," Nurachmad, Banjaranegara regency chief, said.

A resident, 45-year-old Suyatno, told The Jakarta Post that tempeh now sold for Rp 300 per piece, "While with Rp 300 we can get 10 tempe bongkrek."

However, many stopped consuming tempe bongkrek after feeling its effects, Suyatno said. (45/edt)