A suspected Zakho restaurant food poisoning incident has left more than 70 people ill in Duhok province, prompting immediate action from health authorities.
Officials from the Kurdistan Region’s Ministry of Health confirmed that 75 individuals became sick after eating at a restaurant in Zakho on Thursday. All patients were taken to emergency facilities, where they received treatment and were placed under medical observation.
Restaurant Closed as Investigation Begins
Authorities moved quickly following the Zakho restaurant food poisoning case, shutting down the restaurant linked to the outbreak. The closure will remain in effect while health and legal investigations are carried out.
Inspection teams collected food samples from the site to determine the cause of the illness. These samples are now undergoing laboratory testing, with results expected to guide further action.
Health Minister Saman Barzanji has called for strict enforcement of safety standards and confirmed that legal steps will be taken if violations are found.
Families Report Sudden Symptoms
Several families reported falling ill shortly after consuming food from the restaurant. In some cases, multiple members of the same household required medical attention.
Medical teams in Zakho responded to the situation by providing immediate care and monitoring patients for any complications. Officials say most individuals are in stable condition.
Health Authorities Continue Monitoring
Health officials remain on alert as they track patient recovery and review safety procedures. The Ministry of Health has urged the public to seek medical care if symptoms appear after dining out.
Further updates are expected once test results are finalized and the source of the contamination is confirmed.
