Chile! Roomies, know that fear of someone’s food giving you bubble guts? Well, it appears at least 19 people ended up in the hospital with suspected food poisoning after eating at a work potluck last week. The incident, per local reports, happened at a Walmart distribution center in Tennessee.
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Potluck Shook By Foodborne Illness Outbreak
While 19 people were hospitalized with the food-related illness, up to 30 individuals were triaged, says reporting from PEOPLE. Moreover, emergency responders said at least 80 people were impacted. WTVF first reported that the party-wide sickness began after a potluck meal in the Walmart distribution center in Tennessee.
Employees Called 911
Released 911 phone calls revealed that one person at the Walmart distribution center called about an employee vomiting and feeling fatigued in the bathroom. Also, a second call informed officials that the illness was spreading to other employees. “…currently sitting at 28 affected associates, and we have at least four that are very ill,” the caller said, per WTVF. A second ambulance was reportedly sent to the scene.
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Additionally, a caller told 911 that the illness could be “from homemade rice that was brought into the facility.” However, health officials are still investigating the cause and haven’t confirmed the rice was the origin. The Tennessee Department of Health confirmed the investigation, but gave no specific updates about the cause or food.
Walmart Reacts To The Incident
The retailer reportedly released a statement addressing what happened at it’s Tennessee distribution center. Also, it clarified that the illness did not come from its products and that the public aren’t at risk. They’re cooperating with the investigation, reported WTVF.
“The health and safety of our associates is a top priority. We’re working with local emergency management and health officials as they investigate.”
