PHNOM PENH
(Reuters) - Some 600 Cambodian garment factory workers were sent
to hospital with suspected food poisoning early on Tuesday after
several people fainted after eating, factory and local government
officials said. "Last night the factory sent about 600 workers
to hospital," said Albert Tan, general manager of Singapore"s
Suntex Pte Ltd garment factory on the outskirts of Phnom Penh.
Sok Lakhena, deputy cabinet director for the Phnom Penh Municipality,
told Reuters 148 cases of food poisoning had been confirmed. The
incident happened at around 2 a.m. (0900 GMT), about half an hour
after a break for a meal of rice and noodle soup, Sok Lakhena
said.
The food was
prepared in the factory"s pantry. Tan said some workers began
fainting, which frightened others into thinking everyone had been
poisoned. "I am very sad and very sorry this incident happened
last night," Tan said. The factory would pay workers"
hospital bills and salaries while they were in hospital, he said.
The municipality conducted a preliminary investigation and concluded
that conditions in the factory, which operates around the clock
and employs 2,500 workers, were not to blame, Sok Lakhena said.
An investigation is continuing.
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