site.btaOver 100 Turkish MPs, Parliament Staff Seek Medical Help with Suspected Food Poisoning Symptoms

According to Turkish news outlet Haberler, more than 100 lawmakers and staff members from the Grand National Assembly of Turkiye (GNAT) have sought medical attention at the parliamentary hospital, complaining of symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and fatigue – characteristic of food poisoning.

The outlet cited Sema Silkin Un, an MP from the New Path party, who reported experiencing similar symptoms. She said she suspected food poisoning from the meals served at the parliamentary restaurant, noting that she "did not consume any food other than that served in the restaurant". However, she added that there was no concrete evidence supporting the assumption. "Colleagues with similar complaints had eaten different dishes at the restaurant. I don't think it's the food in the restaurant, but the complaints are serious," she said.

Representatives from the GNAT's Directorate of Services said that food samples from the restaurant had been tested and no signs of foodborne illness were detected.

In an official statement regarding the incident, it was noted: “We found no problems with our food. However, during a meeting with the Ankara Directorate of Health, we were informed that there is a serious outbreak affecting the entire city,” Gercek Gundem reported.

Some staff members speculated that the symptoms might be linked to the water supply. It was revealed that, in recent weeks, the Parliament’s tea rooms have switched from bottled water to filtered water as part of energy-saving measures.

So far, more than 100 individuals have visited the parliamentary hospital with symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting. Although no detailed statement has yet been issued by parliamentary authorities about the source of the complaints, medical teams have expressed concern about the rising number of cases, Haberler also reported.