Polish authorities have issued an urgent warning following the death of an individual who consumed meat from an unverified source at a market in Nowa Dęba, Tarnobrzeg County over the weekend. The Government Centre for Security (RCB) has urged the public to abstain from consuming meat purchased at the mentioned market due to the potential risk of poisoning.

The RCB has listed various symptoms associated with the consumption of the suspected meat, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and general weakness. Individuals experiencing these symptoms are advised to seek medical attention promptly or contact the emergency number 112.

To prevent further cases, the agency has called upon citizens to share information about the potential danger, emphasizing the importance of purchasing meat only from official and verified sources. The RCB’s caution comes after a man who consumed deli products from the market tragically passed away in a local hospital on Saturday. Additionally, two other individuals have been hospitalized with symptoms of food poisoning.

In connection with the incident, two individuals, identified as a married couple aged 55 and 56, who sold homemade meat products from their car at the market, are currently being questioned by the police. The District Prosecutor’s Office in Tarnobrzeg has initiated an investigation, and related meat products are undergoing testing at a research institute in Pulawy.

The incident has sparked concerns reminiscent of previous food safety issues in Poland, as in 2022, the country reported 336 outbreaks resulting in 3,670 illnesses, 457 hospitalizations, and four deaths. Notably, these outbreaks included 191 cases of Salmonella, with 26 linked to eggs and egg products. Authorities are diligently working to determine the cause of the recent fatality and to ensure the safety of the public by addressing potential risks associated with unverified meat sources.