USA 
United Kingdom
A workplace lunch at a seafood factory in Jessup, Maryland, took a turn for the worse after dozens of workers were hospitalized following an outbreak of food poisoning.
The incident occurred at NAFCO, a large seafood distribution facility, when a shared meal left 46 employees requiring medical attention.
The outbreak reportedly began after employees consumed a traditional Filipino noodle dish, known as pancit, which had been prepared by one of the workers and shared during a break. The meal, consisting of rice noodles, chicken, mixed vegetables, and sauces, is believed to have caused the illness. Staff started showing symptoms just three hours after eating it.
Paramedics from Howard County’s Department of Fire and Rescue Services attended the scene, evaluated the situation and transported all affected individuals to local hospitals. None of the workers were in critical condition, with all listed as stable after being treated.
NAFCO, one of the largest seafood distributors in the mid-Atlantic region, clarified that the company was not responsible for providing the meal, and that the food had not been prepared or consumed within the plant’s production areas. A spokesperson said: “This was an isolated incident that took place outside our factory, in the parking lot. While we are a food business, we strictly adhere to stringent food safety protocols in our operations.”
Chicken likely to blame
Initial investigations suggest that the source of the food poisoning could be linked to improperly cooked chicken, a common carrier of harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and Campylobacter.
Health officials from the Howard County Health Department, in coordination with the Maryland Department of Health, launched an investigation into the outbreak. The agencies are currently interviewing affected workers to pinpoint the cause of the contamination. A health department representative said: “We believe this was a contained incident with no further risk to the public, and we are working diligently to gather more details.”
In the wake of the incident, NAFCO reassured customers and stakeholders that its products were unaffected by the outbreak, adding, “Our rigorous health inspections ensure that our seafood continues to be safely produced and distributed. This incident had no impact on our supply chain or consumer safety.”
Why proper workplace guidelines matter
The case highlights the importance of workplace safety in relation to food practices and the need for clear policies around shared meals and informal gatherings that involve food consumption in the workplace. While team lunches and shared meals can foster camaraderie, they also pose health risks if proper food safety protocols are not observed.
Companies must be vigilant in promoting health standards across all areas, including breakrooms and social events. To prevent similar incidents in the future, companies should consider providing guidance to employees on safe food handling and preparation, and ensure that any shared meals meet strict hygiene standards.
Ensuring worker safety in all aspects of employment, including food-related incidents, is crucial to maintaining productivity and morale. By fostering a culture of safety and implementing proactive measures, organizations can minimize risks and protect their workforce from preventable health hazards.
