MULTAN — Twelve members of the same family fell unconscious late Sunday night after eating leftover food, with local authorities suspecting foodborne poisoning.
Incident Details
- The incident occurred in a residential area of Multan, where the family prepared food earlier in the day and consumed it after sunset.
- Soon after eating, several members began to experience nausea, dizziness, and loss of consciousness. Local emergency services were alerted, and the victims were taken to the nearby DHQ Hospital for urgent treatment.
Hospital Response
- Doctors report that all affected individuals underwent stomach wash and supportive therapy.
- Over the next 24 hours, most regained consciousness and are now responding well to treatment. Medical staff continue to monitor their condition closely.
Likely Cause
- Preliminary reports indicate that the food may have been stored at room temperature for an extended period, allowing bacteria to multiply.
- Health authorities warn against consuming reheated or improperly stored food—especially after sunset, when bacterial growth can accelerate.
Official Advisory
- Medical officials reminded the public to cool cooked food quickly, refrigerate leftovers, and reheat items thoroughly before eating.
- They also urged families to follow food safety practices during gatherings and festive occasions, to avoid similar incidents.
Why It Matters
Foodborne illness remains a growing public health challenge in Pakistan, leading to preventable hospital admissions each year. Experts emphasise that basic hygiene and temperature control can drastically reduce such cases.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.