Popular Alexandria restaurant shut down after 19 suffer food poisoning

Egyptian authorities have closed a popular restaurant in the Sidi Bishr district of Alexandria after 19 people suffered food poisoning following meals consumed at the establishment.

Alexandria’s emergency police operations room received reports that several people had been admitted to various hospitals with severe gastrointestinal symptoms after eating food from the restaurant.

A joint security and regulatory campaign was launched to inspect the restaurant’s health standards, food, and supplies. The inspection uncovered serious violations, including the presence of insects and reptiles in the food storage area, as well as poor hygiene and improper food storage practices.

Authorities immediately ordered the closure of the restaurant and its storage facility, sealing them with red wax. Food samples were seized and sent to the Ministry of Health’s central laboratories for analysis to determine the cause of the poisoning.

An official report was filed, and the public prosecution was notified to begin investigations and take legal action against the restaurant owner.