Sandakan Food Poisoning Tragedy: Cheese Tarts Suspected as Cause of Fatal Incident

The tragic death of a Year 4 pupil in Sandakan is suspected to be linked to food poisoning from cheese tarts, as reported by Dr. Asits Sanna, Sabah’s health director.

According to Dr. Asits, the child consumed cheese tarts purchased by the father from a local shop on July 23. Both the 10-year-old boy and his mother ingested the tarts, after which the boy began experiencing symptoms including diarrhoea, fever, and loss of appetite.

“On July 24, the child suffered a seizure and was rushed to the hospital by a family member,” Dr. Asits stated in a press release on Sunday (June 28).

Upon arrival at the hospital, emergency treatment was immediately administered due to the boy’s critical condition, which required respiratory support. Despite efforts, he passed away after being admitted to the paediatric medical ward.

Dr. Asits expressed condolences to the family and mentioned that the boy’s mother also exhibited similar symptoms, receiving treatment at the women’s medical ward of the Duchess of Kent Hospital.

“The investigation into the incident, including the child’s movements and food exposure, as well as the exact cause of death, is ongoing,” Dr. Asits continued, noting that samples from the food and surrounding environment have been collected to aid in the investigation process.

Food poisoning, he explained, can arise from various contaminants such as bacteria, toxins, viruses, parasites, chemicals like insecticides or pesticides, heavy metals, and poisonous plants or marine life.

“We urge individuals experiencing symptoms of food poisoning to seek immediate medical attention,” Dr. Asits advised.

He assured the public that the health department, in collaboration with the Sandakan health office, is actively monitoring the situation and will provide updates as new information emerges.