35 people hospitalized in Riyadh after food poisoning outbreak

35 people have been hospitalized in the Saudi capital Riyadh, with 28 of them in intensive care, following a food poisoning outbreak on Thursday.

The Saudi newspaper Arab News reported that the food poisoning cases were caused by the Clostridium botulinum bacteria and started at the local Hamburgini fast-food restaurant chain.

“Six cases have fully recovered after receiving appropriate health care, and two have been safely discharged. However, 35 individuals remain hospitalized, with 28 of them in intensive care,” Health Ministry spokesperson Mohammed Abdalali said.

The Colstridium botulinum bacteria can cause botulism, which can lead to paralysis and death if not treated.

It is associated with contaminated canned goods and processed meats.

Saudi authorities closed all branches of the Hamburgini fast-food chain and its factory in Riyadh in response, Arab News reported, as well as their factory.