REPORTS OF BACTERIAL FOOD POISONING IN THE RIYADH REGION OF SAUDI-ARABIA - A ONE-YEAR RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

In this retrospective study, the incidents of bacterial food poisoning in the Riyadh region were analysed in the period from August 1989 to July 1990. There were 41 incidents with 296 cases; 25 (61%) of the inc idents occurred during the summer months. 'Kabsa' (rice and meat or ch icken) was the food item most incriminated (40.6%) in bacterial food p oisoning incidents followed by milk (27.6%). Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella species were the most common bacterial food poisoning agen ts identified in the incidents. No chemical food poisoning has been re ported during the year of study. A survey of food institutions showed a lack of health measures. The study has shown that the problem of foo d poisoning in the region is significant. A nationwide health educatio n programme of food hygiene is needed. Moreover, continuous inspection s of food institutions should be undertaken.