The Hawaii State Department of Health confirmed the outbreak that sickened 30 students and two adults at a Hawaiian Elementary School in Oahu last week was food poisoning, caused by bacteria-tainted spaghetti.
According to the United International Press, on Dec.10, at least 40 students at a Waipahu, Hawaii, elementary school suffered food poisoning symptoms after eating school lunch and 25 were hospitalized, officials said. Spaghetti and rice can grow bacteria, if they are not properly refrigerated and reheated to a safe temperature.
Public health officials in Hawaii are confirming that the spaghetti cooked the previous day before was not properly reheated, the day it was served, which created an environment for bacterial growth. The foods may also not have been cooled properly the day it was cooked, the department said in a statement.
"An inspection and interviews with cafeteria employees revealed food preparation violations that could be corrected with proper training and follow through," said Peter Oshiro, head of the department's Sanitation Branch. "We understand the school closed the cafeteria to retrain their food service staff and ensure safe food practices."
Students complained about nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. The Food Safety department will be conducting food safety training for school cafeteria staff and management.
"While this was an isolated incident, our staff has and continues to fully cooperate with health officials in ensuring best practice," Waipahu Elementary School Principal Gary Chun said. "We appreciate the patience and understanding of our school community and remain committed to proper meal preparation."
Meals are being brought in to Waipahu Elementary from a neighboring school. To prevent bacterial growth, foods must be stored at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.
