Zarqa, July 11 (Petra) -- Ministry of Health announced on Saturday that 72 people were treated for suspected food poisoning in the Hashimiya district of Zarqa governorate after eating meals from a local restaurant.

The patients sought medical attention on Saturday evening at Zarqa Government Hospital, Prince Hashem Military Hospital, and a private hospital in Zarqa, the ministry said in a statement.

The patients suffered from symptoms including vomiting, recurrent diarrhea, headaches, and abdominal pain. The ministry noted that most cases were mild, with patients receiving the necessary medical treatment and being discharged after their conditions improved. A limited number of cases were admitted for medical observation and further treatment, and investigations are underway, the ministry added.

According to the statement, Zarqa Government Hospital received 38 cases, and Prince Hashem Military Hospital treated 31, while three cases sought treatment at a private hospital in Zarqa.

The Jordan Food and Drug Administration confirmed that its specialized inspection and control teams conducted an immediate field inspection of the restaurant linked to the suspected poisoning cases. The establishment was shut down as a precautionary measure, and samples of the prepared meals were taken for laboratory testing.

//Petra// AF