04 June 2004

by Anai Rhoads

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AnaiRhoads.org - The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), along with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, joined forces Thursday to investigate an unexplained outbreak of illness in several Massachusetts schools.

School children began displaying symptoms of food poisoning back in May 2003. The symptoms varied, but involved bouts of nausea, vomiting, dizziness, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. Most reported symptoms within an hour of eating the cafeteria prepared meals, with illness lasting no more than 24 hours.

The most recent case was reported in May 2004 at a school located in Revere, Massachusetts.

The source was narrowed down to tortillas manufactured by Del Rey Tortilleria, Inc. of Chicago, Ill., and distributed under the brand names "Del Rey Tortilleria" or "Pan De Oro."

However, repeated laboratory analyses summoned by the FDA found no incriminating source or contaminant in the ingredients that would lead to the children's ailments.

The FDA is urging individuals who believe that may have experienced similar symptoms of illness after consuming tortillas from this company to contact their local health department.

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