The Hawaii Department of Education has released a bulletin about an outbreak of foodborne illness at Waipahu Elementary School. Several students became ill on December 10, 2013 after lunch. About 40 students of the 1,150 who attend the school were sickened with symptoms that may indicate food poisoning.
Students were treated on campus by Emergency Medical Services personnel and then taken to local hospitals for further evaluation. The Hawaii DOE is working with the Hawaii Department of Health, giving them temperature logs and a sample lunch for analysis. Public health officials will also investigate outside factors, such as food students or staff may have brought to campus.
Meals served at Hawaii’s public schools must adhere to strict federal and state food safety guidelines. School Superintendent Kathryn Matahyoshi said in a statement, “the safety and well being of our students are paramount. Our food services brand is collaborating with state health officials to pinpoint the source of today’s outbreak. We thank parents for their patients and we will all students a speedy recovery.
Officials are asking that parents report any illness among their children to doctors. The doctor should then notify the school and public health officials.
