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PATIENT food served at one of South Australia’s major hospitals was deliberately contaminated, triggering a police investigation.
Detectives are examining how up to 10 jelly and custard desserts at Flinders Medical Centre were intentionally laced with a mysterious, abnormal substance.
Police said no patients consumed the food and there had been no threats or claims made over the contamination, which was uncovered by a hospital staff member on Tuesday.
Authorities revealed the tampered desserts were found on a tray inside a kitchen refrigerator during a routine inspection about 9.15am.
The food, which was contaminated with a “solid organic-looking product”, was part of a modified diet option for patients who have trouble swallowing.
While the product is being forensically examined, The Advertiser was told a “pellet-type substance” appeared to have been planted in the food.
Police have not ruled out that substance being faeces.
Senior police and SA Health bosses would not discuss a possible motive or whether a rogue employee was suspected of the contamination.
Hospital security footage is being reviewed and staff questioned as police warned anyone caught would face serious charges.
It is understood authorities are concerned about possible copycat incidents.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Southern Adelaide Health Network chief executive officer Susan O’Neill said up to 10 desserts were targeted by the “very obvious” contamination.
“The contamination was a solid organic-looking product,” Ms O’Neill said.
“It was an organic compound. It was not a thin consistency (and) there was an abnormal appearance. Staff were vigilant and isolated the area and raised the alarm.”
Ms O’Neill said the special diet option had been modified for vulnerable patients who were at risk of choking from the contaminant.
She said hospital staff then badessed other prepared food.
“As a precaution, we cooked all new fresh meals and personally spoke to special diet patients to ensure they had no concerns with their meals,” Ms O’Neill said.
Patients who ate the same desserts on Monday were contacted but none complained about the food quality or of feeling unwell.
SA Police acting badistant commissioner Joanne Shanahan said no “threat or claim has been made in connection with this discovery”.
“We are satisfied that no patients have been fed contaminated foodstuffs,” she said.
Ms Shanahan said police were working with Flinders Medical Centre management and staff to investigate the food contamination.
She warned anyone proven to be behind the attacks would face serious charges.
No similar incidents have been reported to police.
Anyone with information about should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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