THE five persons, who were detained for investigations into the food poisoning of dozens of people in Berbice last weekend, have been released. Police Divisional Commander, Assistant Commissioner Steve Merai told the Guyana Chronicle yesterday that no criminal evidence was detected against those who prepared the meals for the ‘B’ Division Community Policing Group (CPG) Retreat on Sunday.
He said a file was sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for advice and Police are awaiting the results of tests being done at the Eve Leary, Georgetown Headquarters.
Merai said it was established that the food was prepared under poor hygienic conditions and may have been contaminated with bacteria.
Scores of people, including five media personnel, who suffered relapses after their original treatment had to seek further medical attention this week.
Police, in a statement, had reported that about 350 people attended the retreat, at Berbice High School in New Amsterdam, but became ill after eating the chicken and fried rice which they were served.
The sick were taken to several hospitals where they were treated and some 50 admitted as patients.