Algeria: 62 percent of food poisoning occur in weeding parties

Summer in Algeria is known for wedding parties and familiar celebrations. Algerians gather around the “table” for eating and celebrating happy events. However, this table can be a “poison” and turn the party into funeral overnight.

• According to a recent study of Algerian delegate ministry in charge of family and women’s issues, a total of 62 percent of food poisoning in Algeria were recorded in familiar meetings and wedding parties. Algerian hospitals received 3,560 food poisoning cases in 2007. Most of them were recorded in summer.
• For his part, Doctor Mohamed Ouahdi, prevention director at health ministry said food poisoning occurs in wedding parties and familiar celebrations. “Health and hygiene standards are not respected in cooking.”
• He indicated that the state treasury looses 27 to $40 for a day to care for one food poisoning. Trade ministry is responsible in a large part for this problem as it is not strict enough when offering commercial registers.
• According to figures from trade ministry, meat is behind 28 percent of food poisoning in 2007. Another study made by the ministry on 864 samples of meat showed that 280 of them are not in conformity with hygiene standards.