"Food Poisoning" in Mongolia (Ulaanbataar)

According to media reportsmore than 200 people have suffered "food poisoning" after eating at a KFC restaurant in Ulaanbaatar. In early February 2019, 16 people developed diarrhoea, vomiting and high fever. The Metropolitan Professional Inspection Department say 247 similar cases have also been reported, with 42 people being hospitalised.

Bacterial sampling has found Klebsiella and E. coli at the Ulaanbaatar KFC. A further 4 people have contracted a Shigella infection following contact with restaurant staff.

All KFC restaurants in Mongolia have been temporarily closed.

Advice to travellers

Follow local official advice where problems are identified at specified food outlets.

Food should be freshly cooked to a high temperature and served immediately while still hot. Harmful micro-organisms are killed over 70c.

Meat should be thoroughly cooked and eaten hot.

• Leftovers and reheated meat should be avoided.

Fish and shellfish can be hazardous even if well cooked. Local advice about seafood should be sought, but when in doubt it is best avoided.

Only consume pasteurised milk/milk products.

• Unpasteurised milk should be boiled.
• Cheeses and ice cream may be made from unpasteurised milk. These should only be consumed where quality can be assured.

Only eat thoroughly cooked vegetables.

• Salads and fresh herbs (including in drinks) should be avoided.

Peel fruit, including tomatoes.

• Berries, in particular raspberries, maybe a source of Cyclospora They are difficult to wash and best avoided.

For further advice see Food and Water Precautions.