Over twenty-five individuals were rushed to hospitals in Istanbul late Friday after reportedly consuming food from a single restaurant. Separately, fourteen high school students were hospitalized on Saturday with suspected food poisoning, according to Turkish authorities and local media reports.
Istanbul’s Regional Health Director, Abdullah Emre Guner, stated on X Friday evening that those receiving treatment are in “good general health” and undergoing necessary medical evaluations and treatment.
The initial group of 25 individuals reportedly consumed lahmacun, a traditional flatbread topped with minced meat, vegetables, and spices, at a restaurant in the Şişli district. CNN Turk reported that patients exhibited symptoms including nausea and vomiting. Local authorities have reportedly shut down the restaurant, which was operating without a license.
In a separate incident, 14 students from a high school in the Kocaeli province, near Istanbul, were admitted to hospitals on Saturday with suspected food poisoning after consuming chicken from their school cafeteria, according to multiple local news outlets including Haber Turk. The students reported nausea and vomiting shortly after lunch and were transported to several local hospitals. Authorities report all are in good condition.
These incidents follow the tragic deaths of a family of four visiting Istanbul. While initial reports suggested food poisoning, it is now believed that fumes and insecticides leaked into their hotel room, causing chemical exposure. A final forensic report is pending.
The recent incidents have intensified scrutiny of food safety standards and inspection failures in Istanbul, a major international tourist destination. Authorities are now conducting thorough investigations into both cases of suspected food poisoning. DZWatch will continue to monitor this developing situation.
