Tokyo festival food poisoning: 78 ill from cold crab ramen

A mass food poisoning incident occurred following the Azabu-juban Noryo Matsuri held in Tokyo on August 22 and 23. Approximately 78 people fell ill after consuming ‘cold crab ramen’ prepared by a local restaurant. Victims reported symptoms including fever, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, with some recording temperatures around 38 degrees Celsius.

Medical experts identified Salmonella bacteria as the cause. Dr. Hiroyuki Shimizu noted that Salmonella can cause infection even in small amounts and is difficult to detect through smell or appearance alone. He advised that heating food to 75 degrees Celsius for at least one minute is necessary to kill the bacteria.

In response to the incident, businessman Yuta Misaki commented on social media regarding the chef, Komeo. While acknowledging the severity of the mass poisoning and the necessity for thorough investigation and prevention, Misaki argued against calls for the chef to permanently leave the industry, suggesting that the focus should be on how the individual faces and learns from the mistake.