Mass Food Poisoning Leaves 46 Hospitalized, Employee’s Homemade Dish Causes ‘Mini Disaster Alert’ in Maryland

Mar. 15, 2025

Dozens of people were taken to the hospital following a mass food poisoning incident in Maryland, according to local health officials.

On Monday, Oct. 21, firefighters and paramedics were called to NAFCO Wholesale Seafood Distributors in Jessup in response to a report of “multiple patients with food poisoning after allegedly eating the same food,” theHoward County Health Departmentsaid.

Health officials reported that 46 adults were evaluated and transported to local hospitals. However, all patients were in non-critical condition.

Howard County General Hospital went into “mini disaster alert” due to the number of patients,ABC7 Newsreports, citing Howard County Fire and EMS officials.

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On Tuesday, Oct. 22, the Howard County Health Department said in astatementit is working closely with the Maryland Department of Health to investigate the cause of the incident.

NAFCO confirmed with ABC7 that the food poisoning was not due to the company’s seafood. A worker prepared a dish at home over the weekend and shared it with coworkers. Employees became sick three hours after consuming the dish.

“NAFCO wishes those affected a safe and speedy recovery,” the company said in a statement perFOX5 D.C., noting that an investigation is still underway.

NAFCO added this was an isolated event and they have now changed their policy to not allow any outside food on the premises.

PEOPLE reached out to NAFCO for comment but did not immediately hear back.

source: people.com