The workplace potluck may never be the same for employees at one Walmart facility in Tennessee.
Nineteen workers were transported to hospitals after dozens of employees suddenly became sick following a meal at a Walmart fulfillment center in Lebanon, Tennessee.
Emergency crews were initially called after one employee began vomiting and experiencing extreme fatigue.
Then more people started getting sick.
Emergency officials ultimately evaluated approximately 25 to 30 people at the facility, with 19 requiring transportation to local hospitals.
Now the Tennessee Department of Health is investigating what it describes as a possible foodborne illness outbreak connected to a meal served at the facility.
And homemade rice is getting plenty of attention.
During one of the 911 calls, a Walmart employee reportedly mentioned that homemade rice brought to the facility by another employee could possibly be connected to the illnesses.
However, health officials have not confirmed that the rice caused the outbreak.
Investigators are working with Walmart and local health officials to determine exactly what made the employees sick.
Walmart said none of the company’s products were involved and emphasized that the fulfillment center is not open to the public, so there is no known risk to customers or merchandise at nearby Walmart stores.
The company also said the health and safety of its employees remains a priority.
But you already know somebody at work heard this story and said, “And this is exactly why I don’t eat everybody’s food!”
Are you eating at the company potluck or bringing your own lunch?