Possible Aconite Poisoning At Markham Restaurant Was From Spice Products Not Food

Last Sunday 12 people who dined at Delight Restaurant & BBQ reported becoming seriously ill with a range of symptoms including numbness, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea, headache and rapid heartbeat. Some of these patrons were hospitalized, while some remained in care for several days. A subsequent investigation by York Regional Public Health (YRPH) was launched to try to find the source of these illnesses. It is believed that these symptoms may have been caused by a food ingredient contaminated with aconite, a “product derived from plants and plants containing toxic alkaloids”, YRPH said. Now, research has revealed a “strong indication” that the disease was “caused by a spice contaminated with aconite”. York Regional Public Health reported two spice products. Mr. Right brand Kaempferia Galanga Powder, a cooking spice, and Mr. Right brand Radix Aconiti Kusnezoffii Powder, “a product that can be used as a traditional herbal medicine.” Any person who may have this product in their home or business is strongly advised not to consume it and throw it away immediately. Samples from the restaurant, food and other sources have already been taken by YRPH and are awaiting lab results to confirm the exact cause of the illness. These products have been removed from retail locations in the York region and investigators are working with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the Department of Health to “limit exposure to the product.” On August 31, the health team re-inspected the restaurant, which passed the inspection and is now allowed to reopen.

title: “Possible Aconite Poisoning At Markham Restaurant Was From Spice Products Not Food Klmat” ShowToc: true date: “2022-12-13” author: “Carol Winebarger”

Last Sunday 12 people who dined at Delight Restaurant & BBQ reported becoming seriously ill with a range of symptoms including numbness, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea, headache and rapid heartbeat. Some of these patrons were hospitalized, while some remained in care for several days. A subsequent investigation by York Regional Public Health (YRPH) was launched to try to find the source of these illnesses. It is believed that these symptoms may have been caused by a food ingredient contaminated with aconite, a “product derived from plants and plants containing toxic alkaloids”, YRPH said. Now, research has revealed a “strong indication” that the disease was “caused by a spice contaminated with aconite”. York Regional Public Health reported two spice products. Mr. Right brand Kaempferia Galanga Powder, a cooking spice, and Mr. Right brand Radix Aconiti Kusnezoffii Powder, “a product that can be used as a traditional herbal medicine.” Any person who may have this product in their home or business is strongly advised not to consume it and throw it away immediately. Samples from the restaurant, food and other sources have already been taken by YRPH and are awaiting lab results to confirm the exact cause of the illness. These products have been removed from retail locations in the York region and investigators are working with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the Department of Health to “limit exposure to the product.” On August 31, the health team re-inspected the restaurant, which passed the inspection and is now allowed to reopen.