QUEENSLAND ON HIGH ALERT: Five People, Including a Child, RUSHED to Hospital After Eating ‘Homemade’ Foods Laced with RAT POISON
- Families in Logan warned to throw away “homemade” capsicum and chilli paste and marinated eggplant products after five people, including a child, were hospitalised with poisoning symptoms
- Health authorities issue urgent warning after products contaminated with brodifacoum, the active ingredient in rat poison, were linked to the poisonings
- Victims experienced bleeding-related symptoms, including bleeding gums and unexplained bruises, after consuming the “homemade” goods
In a shocking and terrifying turn of events, five people, including a young child, have been rushed to hospital in Queensland after consuming “homemade” foods laced with rat poison. The victims, who all displayed poisoning symptoms, were admitted to hospital last week after eating the contaminated products in the Logan area.
According to Queensland Health, the “homemade” goods in question were a capsicum and chilli paste, as well as a marinated eggplant containing the same paste. These products, which were purchased or gifted in the Logan area from mid-September onwards, have been found to contain brodifacoum, the active ingredient in rat poison.
In a stark warning, Chief Health Officer Dr Catherine McDougall urged the community to remain alert, saying, “We do not believe there is a widespread risk to the broader community, however we encourage people in the Logan area to be vigilant.” Dr McDougall added, “The investigation remains ongoing, we are continuing to make further inquiries and will keep the community updated.”
Brodifacoum poisoning can present with bleeding-related symptoms that cannot otherwise be explained, including bleeding gums, unexplained bruises, blood in urine or stool, and swelling of joints. Anyone who believes they may have consumed the identified products or is experiencing unexplained bleeding is urged to seek medical attention immediately.
The community is advised to exercise extreme caution and throw away any of these “homemade” products currently in their possession. As the investigation continues, residents are left reeling from the news, wondering how such a tragedy could have occurred in their own backyard.