Five Die, Several Hospitalized After Consumption of Contaminated Oil in Ethiopia

Five people have died while another 12 people hospitalized in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital after consuming contaminated edible oil, official sources reveal on Tuesday.

Three of the victims died in hospital while the other two died while receiving medical treatment at home.

A release from the Ethiopian ministry of Health said that the five people died from the consumption of contaminated edible oil, which it said was confirmed from laboratory tests, which the ministry undertook on the patients during the last few days.

The ministry disclosed that some illegal traders are mixing unidentified plant with sesame, which they use to make edible oil.

It is however the first time such an incident has been reported in the country.

According to the ministry, another 40 people have also been found with similar symptoms and are undergoing medical treatment.

Out of the 40 people found to be with similar symptoms, 32 of them are women.

Ahmed Emano, the public relations officer of the ministry told journalists that the government is giving free medical treatment to all patients being admitted to hospitals with similar symptoms.

He indicated that a number of edible oil shops have been shut dawn in the week to further investigate the case and take appropriate measures against the culprits.

The ministry also indicated that it is trying to collect the contaminated edible oil and urged the people not to buy edible oil from unknown producers and distributors.

Edible oil prices together with other food items have shown a 50 % increase in the last six months.

The government is distributing edible oil to the public with a reduced price by importing from abroad.

However, there are still people who depend on locally made edible oil.

Source African Press Agency

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