Page 16 - IAV Digital Magazine #614

iAV - Antelope Valley Digital Magazine
5 Fell Ill While Eating In Culinary Class. Saratoga Police Want To Know Why
By Wendy Liberatore, Mike Goodwin
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Police are trying to deter- mine why five people were simultaneously sickened on Thursday while they ate food prepared in a culinary class at the local BOCES campus.
Two diners needed hospital evaluations while the others were treated by para-
medics, Saratoga Springs police wrote in a statement posted on Facebook.
Police are investigat- ing the situation because of "the unusual circum- stances of more than one person becoming ill at the same time."
The incident occurred at about 9:50 a.m. at the Washington- Saratoga-Warren- Hamilton-Essex Board of Cooperative Educational Services'
F. Donald Myers Education Center on Henning Road. The Daily
Gazette previously reported on the inci- dent.
BOCES officials alert- ed parents and guardians about the matter.
They reported that during the morning class sessions, "sev- eral students became ill after consuming food prepared in the culinary arts class.
Emergency services were called immedi- ately and the affected students received medical attention. Parents of those stu- dents were notified directly."
BOCES officials said police tested samples in the classroom where basic cooking techniques are taught to high school stu- dents.
"As a precaution, food samples and ingredients have been secured for fur- ther testing, and the affected classrooms will undergo a deep cleaning before stu- dents return," the notification read. "WSWHE BOCES is fully cooperating with health and safety offi- cials as they continue their review. Our staff followed all safety protocols, including initiating a hold-in- place procedure to ensure the well-being of all students and staff. Authorities have commended the swift
response and coordi- nation of our team."
Police and the city's fire department are continuing to investi- gate the cause
and BOCES is coop- erating, police said.
BOCES officials are also encouraging parents to monitor students for "any unusual symptoms" and seek medical attention if needed.
Officials did not offer details about the nature of the illness or its symptoms.
"If your child is feel- ing unwell, please call the school nurse at 518-581-3600 so we can continue tracking the situa- tion," BOCES officials said.
BOCES officials also said that any con- cerns should also be shared with city police at 518-584- 1800.
iAV - Antelope Valley Digital Magazine