Three individuals, including a young infant, tragically lost their lives yesterday after consuming street food purchased from a vendor in Yaoundé. The victims, a young woman, her 1-month-old baby, and the landlady’s 3-year-old daughter, reportedly consumed “macabo râpé” (kwacoco) before succumbing to their illnesses.
“The landlady ordered food from a street vendor, and then shared it with my relative,” revealed a distraught relative of the deceased woman. “She ate it with her baby and the landlady’s daughter. They all died, one after another, very quickly. We don’t understand what happened.”
According to the source, the victims had not consumed anything else before their sudden demise, raising suspicion towards the street food as a potential cause. Authorities are currently investigating the possibility of poisoning or bacterial contamination.
“The food vendor and a bartender have been arrested for questioning,” confirmed a local official. “However, no other reports of individuals falling ill after consuming the same food have been documented so far.”
The street vendor, maintaining her innocence, stated, “I’ve been running this business for a long time, and I’ve never encountered anything like this before. I don’t know how they died.”
This incident sadly echoes a similar tragedy where four children died in Yaounde after consuming street food. Similarly, another incident occurred in 2019, where at least three individuals lost their lives after consuming food from a street vendor in Douala, while there are other cases of mass food poisoning in Kumba and Bamenda. While street food represents an affordable and popular option for many Cameroonians, it’s crucial to remember the potential risks associated with improper preparation or storage.
Authorities urge caution when consuming street food and recommend:
- Choosing vendors with good hygiene practices: Look for clean stalls, proper food handling techniques, and covered food displays.
- Opting for freshly cooked items: Avoid pre-cooked food that may have been sitting out for extended periods.
- Being cautious with unfamiliar dishes: Ask about ingredients and preparation methods if unsure.
- Prioritizing personal hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly before and after eating street food.
This tragic event highlights the importance of food safety and responsible consumption, particularly when relying on street vendors.
