14.11.2025 16:32
In Ortaköy, a family of four, the Böcek family, became ill after eating kumpir and mussels. The mother and two children lost their lives, while the father was intubated. This incident has once again brought food safety to the forefront. Prof. Dr. Vedat Göral, a Gastroenterology Specialist from Medipol Health Group, emphasized the importance of hygiene, warning that "symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain related to bacterial exposure can occur anywhere from 15 minutes to 3 hours after eating."
The Bug family of four, who came to Istanbul for a vacation from Germany, experienced a tragic poisoning incident after eating kumpir and mussels in Ortaköy. Unfortunately, the mother and two children from the family were hospitalized due to food poisoning and lost their lives. Following this incident, which once again painfully brought food safety to the forefront, Prof. Dr. Vedat Göral, a Gastroenterology Specialist at Medipol Mega University Hospital, issued critical warnings.
HYGIENE IS IMPORTANT IN FOOD POISONING
Prof. Dr. Göral stated that hygiene plays a significant role in the foundation of food poisoning. He mentioned that some citizens have recently fallen ill after consuming mussels. "Two children or family members have been affected. If hygiene is not followed with mussels, bacteria and toxins such as salmonella and vibrio can contaminate, leading to food poisoning. Generally, there are no issues when consumed from clean and known places. However, in the case of elderly, children, infants, pregnant women, or individuals with weakened immune systems, the situation can be severe," he said.
CONSUMERS AND PREPARERS NEED TO BE CAREFUL
Prof. Dr. Göral emphasized the critical importance of adhering to hygiene rules during the preparation and cooking of mussels. "The hands of the person preparing, knives, materials, and cutting boards must be clean; hands must also be clean after eating. Symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain due to bacterial contact can appear between 15 minutes to 3 hours after eating. Mild cases can be managed with rest and liquid foods, but in moderate and severe cases, a doctor should definitely be consulted," he stated.
BE CAREFUL WITH MAYONNAISE-BASED FOODS
Prof. Dr. Göral also highlighted the importance of hygiene in mayonnaise-based foods like kumpir, stating, "Bacteria such as Staphylococcus can grow under inappropriate conditions and can cause serious nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, or even shock. Therefore, it is critical to obtain food from known, reliable places, wash hands before meals, and for preparers to adhere to hygiene rules. When hygiene is maintained, food-related issues can generally be prevented," he warned.