NO CONFIRMED cases of food poisoning have been reported since the Agape feast last Dec. 13, but students who have developed symptoms are encouraged to seek medical assistance, the UST Health Service said.
UST Health Service Director Sheryl Dionisio said diagnoses of food poisoning have not been established so far and only two students with gastrointestinal symptoms have been reported since the communal feast took place.
“Although there have been no confirmed cases of food poisoning, we have coordinated with RCYC (Red Cross Youth Council) to encourage those who developed symptoms to seek consultation at the Health Service either onsite or online,” Dionisio told The Flame.
Some students who joined the Agape have complained of symptoms of foodborne illnesses, including stomach ache, vomiting and diarrhea, after consuming meals provided by UST’s partner food establishments. Others also claimed to have detected “unusual” taste and consistency and “foul” odor from their meals.
READ: Some Thomasians report symptoms of food poisoning after Agape
Online survey forms and constituency checks that sought to track students with food poisoning symptoms were disseminated in various group chats after news of the suspected food poisoning circulated.
The Flame has reached out to local units of the Red Cross Youth Council to obtain data on the number of students with food poisoning symptoms but has yet to receive a response as of writing.
According to Dionisio, distributors underwent “strict screening” prior to the feast and have the responsibility to monitor their products to ensure food safety. She added that the University has established food and safety protocols that adhere to regulatory standards during special events.
Office of the Secretary General Executive Assistant Emmanuel Batulan said members of the Central Committee on University Events have “proactively” addressed concerns related to Agape over the weekend.
“[Follow-up] meetings were conducted as well, and updates are being handled now by the Health Service,” he said.
Dionisio urged Thomasians to follow food safety practices, including hand hygiene, checking consumption timelines and expiration dates and reporting health concerns.
“As part of our commitment to health and well-being, we encourage the Thomasian community to take proactive steps to prevent foodborne illnesses,” the health service director said.
Thomasians who are experiencing symptoms of foodborne illnesses may fill out the constituency check form through this link: https://bit.ly/AGAPEConstituencyCheck2024. F
