Two men, Sami Abdullah and Hassan Saritag, admitted to placing unsafe food on the market, failing to implement food safety procedures, and neglecting to register new owners at their kebab shop in Abergavenny, Monmouthshire. The contamination at Marmaris Kebab House led to over 50 people falling ill, with 11 requiring hospitalization. Both men appeared in court and will be sentenced at a later date. District Judge Sophie Toms reprimanded them for talking in the dock, although it was later revealed that Saritag had been translating for Abdullah. A Kurdish interpreter will be present during their sentencing.
A family and friends fell ill with shigella, suffering from severe symptoms like vomiting, fevers, stomach cramps, and blood in their diarrhea after eating at Marmaris Kebab House. An investigation by Monmouthshire Council linked these infections to the kebab shop, and Public Health Wales identified shigella as the cause of the outbreak. While not life-threatening, shigella can lead to hospitalization in some cases, with symptoms typically resolving in a few days. Abdullah and Saritag also pled guilty to additional offenses of failing to register new owners and maintain a suitable food safety management system, and the business is now under new ownership.
Another individual shared their experience of illness after dining at Marmaris Kebab House, describing it as “horrendous sickness.” In response to the outbreak, Public Health Wales reported an increase in gastrointestinal illness in Abergavenny, mainly due to the shigella infection. The council spokesperson stated that further offenses like failing to register new owners and inadequate food safety procedures resulted in guilty pleas, leading to the kebab shop being under new management. The council conducted a thorough investigation, and expert advice from Public Health Wales confirmed Marmaris as the source of the infections.
Abdullah and Saritag’s failure to maintain food safety protocols and register new owners resulted in severe consequences for dozens of individuals who fell ill after eating at their kebab shop. The guilty pleas in court shed light on the seriousness of the offenses committed and the impact it had on those affected. The court proceedings also highlighted the need for proper translation services to ensure clear communication between the defendants and the judges during sentencing. The presence of a Kurdish interpreter was deemed necessary for the sentencing of Abdullah and Saritag.
The outbreak at Marmaris Kebab House had far-reaching consequences, with over 50 people becoming ill and 11 requiring hospitalization due to food contamination. Shigella infection caused severe symptoms in those affected, leading to significant discomfort and health issues. Public Health Wales’ investigation and the council’s efforts revealed the source of the infections and emphasized the importance of maintaining food safety standards in restaurants and food establishments. The guilty pleas and upcoming sentencing of Abdullah and Saritag highlight the need for accountability in ensuring the health and safety of consumers.
Overall, the criminal offenses committed by Sami Abdullah and Hassan Saritag at Marmaris Kebab House had serious implications for public health, resulting in numerous individuals falling ill and needing medical attention. The court proceedings underscored the importance of adhering to food safety regulations and registering new business owners to prevent such outbreaks and ensure consumer safety. The actions taken by the council, Public Health Wales, and the courts in response to the food poisoning incident demonstrated the commitment to upholding health standards and holding individuals accountable for their negligence in food preparation and handling.
