An employee's homemade food is blamed for mass food poisoning at a Maryland fishmonger

JESSUP, MD. – NAFCO Wholesale Seafood Distributors in Jessup, Maryland, says Monday's mass poisoning incident that left 46 people seeking medical attention was caused by home-cooked food prepared by an employee.

“The (Howard County Department of Health) investigation has preliminarily determined that an employee prepared food at his home over the weekend and ultimately distributed the home-cooked food to co-workers who became ill yesterday,” the company said in a statement released Tuesday.

In the hours after the meal, nearly 50 workers showed symptoms of food poisoning.

“NAFCO wishes those affected a safe and speedy recovery,” the company added.

They clarified that no consumers or other outlets were affected.

NAFCO also emphasized that their products continue to meet the highest safety standards, stating, “NAFCO maintains the highest standards of food safety and regularly undergoes rigorous inspections by health authorities.”

The company said its supply chain remains unaffected and its products are safe for consumption nationwide.

On Monday, crews from the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services arrived at the Chesapeake Bay Court facility around 3:45 p.m. after reports that several workers were feeling unwell.

All 46 adults were examined at the scene and transported to area hospitals. Fortunately, none of the patients were in critical condition and were treated and monitored before being discharged. Emergency response teams from Anne Arundel and Baltimore counties provided additional assistance.