The skyline in Jordan. ARCHIVE

More than 55 people, most of them schoolchildren, were hospitalized in northern Jordan last week after eating falafel meals contaminated with human waste, according to health and food safety officials. The outbreak has sparked public outrage and prompted authorities to shut down the restaurant at the center of the scandal in Irbid governorate. The Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA) said initial laboratory tests confirmed fecal contamination and dangerous bacterial growth in food samples served at the restaurant. Both E. coli and Shigella were detected—highly infectious bacteria that cause severe gastrointestinal illness. Dr. Ayman Maqableh, director of epidemiology at the Ministry of Health, confirmed that at least 42 students had sought medical care in hospitals and clinics, with eight admitted and three under close observation. The victims, aged 6 to 14, showed symptoms including diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Health officials revealed that one of the restaurant’s workers also tested positive for Shigella, suggesting he may have been a source of the outbreak. Samples were taken from nearby schools and homes to rule out other contamination sources. The Ministry of Health said the situation was “under control” and urged families to practice strict hygiene, especially handwashing. The restaurant had originally been licensed to prepare baked goods but was illegally converted into a falafel shop by a local schoolteacher who rented the property. Authorities said they were not notified of this change. “We are following a careful methodology to complete testing and verification before issuing any official statement,” the JFDA said in a statement. “Our priority is accuracy and responsibility in handling this case.” ICA/Expat Media
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