A Health department official has cleared Maynilad Water Services Inc. in the food poisoning incident in Tondo, Manila early this week.

One hundred and twelve students from the Jose Corazon de Jesus Elementary School experienced diarrhea, vomiting and nausea after eating mais con yelo, egg sandwiches and hotdogs supplied the school’s canteen.

Dr. Eric Tayag, head of the National Epidemiology Center of the Department of Health cleared the water concessionaire after laboratory tests conducted by Maynilad’s Central Laboratory and the Manila Health Department showed that the water supply of the school, the canteen, and supplier of the ice used in the mais con yelo were negative for any kind of bacteria and had residual chlorine well above the 1 mg/liter standard for drinking water.

While health officials have found that the food poisoning was caused by salmonella bacteria, the source of the bacteria could not yet be determined.

Mr. Tayag said food poisoning may be caused either by contaminated food or water or poor hygiene. Meanwhile, Maynilad Water assured the public that its water is safe and clean.

Central Laboratory head Teresita Mancera said regular sampling of the water in Tondo and other parts of its West Zone concession has confirmed the continued potability and safety of its water, with residual chlorine within the Philippine Standards for Drinking Water.

Souce: BusinessWorld