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Salmonella-Contaminated Food Sickens More Than 130 Doctors at Mexico City Hospital

08 September 2026 21:09 PM

NEWS DESK

More than 130 doctors fell ill last month after eating food contaminated with salmonella bacteria at a hospital cafeteria in Mexico City, authorities and affected doctors said Monday.

Several doctors protested outside Eduardo Liceaga Hospital, located in the central part of the Mexican capital, where the salmonella outbreak occurred.

One of the affected doctors, speaking on condition of anonymity, said they suspected breakfast served on August 31—possibly eggs—was responsible for the outbreak.

“We believe it was the breakfast on August 31, probably the eggs. Almost all of us became sick that same night,” the doctor said.

The doctor also alleged that some of the food was spoiled and contained insects and mould, while staff frequently faced water shortages.

The hospital, which is part of Mexico’s public healthcare network, said the outbreak was detected after a sudden increase in gastrointestinal symptoms, including abdominal pain, diarrhoea and vomiting, among staff on the final day of August.

In a video message posted on social media, Mexican Health Minister David Kershenobich said 135 resident doctors had been affected by the infection. Of them, 41 had to be hospitalised.

“Everyone is now doing well,” the minister said.

However, doctors who took part in the protest and statements issued by various groups put the number of people affected at 227. They said 67 people had been hospitalised, while 15 had received treatment in intensive care units (ICUs).

The hospital has separate cafeterias for resident doctors and specialist physicians. Hospital authorities said this helped limit the spread of the infection to a relatively contained group.

Health Minister Kershenobich has promised an investigation into the incident. He also said the food supply and serving systems at public healthcare facilities would be reviewed as part of the response.