Department of Education in Central Visayas (DepEd-7) regional director Juliet Jeruta said on Monday that food poisoning is not the cause of the pain experienced by tens of elementary students last Thursday evening.
A total of 56 students were rushed to different Cebu City hospitals after they had experienced vomiting, abdominal pains and diarrhea.
The affected students were attending a forum on Islamic culture and products at the Eco-Tech Center in Barangay Lahug, Cebu City.
The facility is placed under DepEd-7’s supervision.
Jeruta revealed that no bacteria can be traced on the stool tests conducted to the students.
The regional director added that students might have eaten foods and beverages outside Eco-Tech, which possibly caused them to experience hyperacidity and dyspepsia.