An official source at the Minya Health Directorate confirmed that the number of people affected by food poisoning after consuming rice and chicken meals from a restaurant located in the Abu Hilal area in South Minya has risen to 82. The victims suffered from vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, fever, and severe stomach pain, requiring their transfer to Minya University Hospital and other health facilities.

The incident began with a report of 7 people affected, which soon increased to 25 and then 35. After confirming that all victims had eaten from the same restaurant, they were distributed among health hospitals in the governorate due to insufficient space at Minya University Hospital.

Dr. Mahmoud Omar Abdel Wahab, Deputy Minister of Health in Minya, stated that upon receiving the report, a committee from the Infection Control Department was formed to inspect the restaurant, collect samples from the food and patients, and send them to central laboratories for analysis. The restaurant and its food were also seized.

The management of the accused restaurant (L.A) issued a statement denying responsibility for the poisoning, describing the campaign against them as systematic. They emphasized their commitment to food quality, cleanliness, and competitive prices, and apologized if any mistake occurred.

The Abu Hilal area witnessed a mass food poisoning incident that caused widespread concern among residents. Emergency police received reports of 82 citizens suffering severe fatigue suspected to be due to food poisoning. Police forces and ambulances were dispatched immediately to provide necessary support.