Police open probe month after 3 die of food poisoning at Holon care facility
Investigation into Beit Dafna home for residents with disabilities to be conducted by fraud unit, after Health Ministry cited ‘severe deficiencies’ in kitchen cleanliness
A month after three people living at a residence for people with disabilities in Holon died due to food poisoning, Israel Police announced Monday that they were opening an investigation into the incident.
“Following the guidance of prosecutors, it was decided to open an investigation into the three deaths at the Beit Dafna facility,” the Tel Aviv District police department said in a statement, noting that the investigation will be carried out by its fraud unit.
Labor MK Gilad Kariv welcomed the police decision.
“I hope the police will fully investigate the disturbing deaths, even though a month has already gone past,” he tweeted. “We will continue to demand clear policies for investigating deaths in similar institutions,” he added, noting that it is the state’s responsibility to ensure “the well-being and health” of citizens in such settings.
In late April and early May, three residents at Beit Dafna fell ill and ultimately died after suffering from food poisoning symptoms. A week later, the Health Ministry confirmed that contamination in the kitchen was the cause of their deaths.
Several dozen other residents at the home were also affected, with most presenting mild symptoms and one more requiring hospitalization.
The Health Ministry sent a special team to Beit Dafna following the incident, issuing a report noting “several severe” deficiencies in the facility’s maintenance, the overall level of cleanliness, and how food was handled in the kitchen.
According to the ministry, flaws were found in how foods were separated during different cooking processes; in food handling; and in dishes’ cleanliness.
“In light of this, and in light of the serious illness, the kitchen will be closed immediately,” stated the report, which was forwarded to the Welfare and Social Affairs Ministry and the police.
The ministry said that the lethal food poisoning was due to poor care of meat in the kitchen. Food samples taken from the facility showed they were infected with Clostridium perfringens bacteria, which is usually found in human excrement.
The bacteria was also found in stool samples from seven patients who were hospitalized as a result of the mass poisoning.
Weeks later, four residents at Neve Ram facility for people with disabilities were hospitalized with stomach pains and suspected food poisoning.
The Times of Israel Community.