World · East Asia & Pacific · 3 hrs ago
293 people fall ill after school meals in Matsue; histamine poisoning suspected
On October 29, 293 pupils and staff at three Matsue schools fell ill after lunch supplied by the Higashiizumo School Lunch Center in Shimane Prefecture, Japan.
They reported symptoms including red faces, itching, throat discomfort and vomiting.
Ten pupils from Izumogo Elementary School were taken to hospital; all were reported to be out of life-threatening danger.
A hospital reportedly told the school that histamine food poisoning was suspected, but this has not been confirmed.
Histamine poisoning can happen when fish or fish products are stored improperly, and it can cause symptoms resembling an allergy.
Matsue's education board contacted the public health office to investigate the cause.
The three schools were scheduled to close on October 30.
A total of 293 pupils and staff at three elementary schools in Matsue, Japan, reported feeling unwell after eating school meals on October 29.
Ten pupils from Izumogo Elementary School were taken to hospital, and all were reported to be out of life-threatening danger.
Symptoms included facial redness, itching, throat discomfort and vomiting.
Histamine poisoning was suspected, but the cause had not been confirmed.
Matsue’s education board contacted the health centre to investigate, and the three schools were closed on October 30.
- Who
- 293 pupils and staff at three Matsue elementary schools reported symptoms. Ten pupils were taken to hospital.
- What
- They became unwell after eating school meals, with suspected histamine poisoning.
- When
- October 29, 2026; the schools were closed the following day.
- Where
- Izumogo, Iya and Ito elementary schools in Matsue, Shimane Prefecture, Japan.
- Why
- The cause was under investigation. Histamine poisoning was suspected in connection with the school meals.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Pupils and staff at three Matsue elementary schools reported feeling unwell after eating lunch supplied by the Higashiizumo School Lunch Centre.
Ten pupils from Izumogo Elementary School were taken to hospital, and the school handed all pupils over to their guardians.
The three schools were closed while the city’s education board and health authorities investigated.
- People affected
- 293 pupils and staff
- Schools affected
- Izumogo, Iya and Ito elementary schools
- Taken to hospital
- 10 pupils from Izumogo Elementary School
- Meal supplier
- Higashiizumo School Lunch Centre
- School closures
- Three schools on October 30
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What people are saying
My mouth felt tingly