Food-poisoning sickens at least 22 in NE Mexico

At least 22 people got sick Sunday in the northeastern Mexican city of Matamoros after eating bad chicken at a local party, police said Monday.

The victims fell ill after ingesting unhygienic chicken served at the baptism celebration party, authorities said, adding that the poultry had been bought at a local supermarket.

Among the victims, who had been hospitalized for stomachache, vomiting and diarrhea, were 13 minors, including a two-year-old boy who was baptized at the party, according to the police.

Initial investigations indicated the boy's mother bought several kilograms of chicken at the supermarket and the meat had already gone bad or was tainted.

Samples of the chicken had been sent to a laboratory for analysis, and authorities were waiting for the results to determine how to deal with those responsible.