Mass Food Poisoning Strikes Turkish Police Guarding Erdogan’s Meeting

TDT | Istanbul

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Dozens of Turkish police officers tasked with guarding President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during an official meeting in Ahlat, Bitlis Province, were rushed to hospital on Tuesday after suffering from suspected food poisoning.

The incident occurred shortly after the officers consumed field rations prepared for the security detail. Within hours, many began experiencing acute symptoms, including severe nausea, dizziness, and stomach cramps. Medical teams quickly intervened, transferring the affected officers to nearby hospitals for urgent treatment.

Authorities confirmed that the food served to the police was spoiled, which triggered the mass poisoning. While officials assured that all officers are now under medical care and in stable condition, the episode has raised concerns over food safety standards for security personnel deployed at high-profile events.

An investigation has been launched to determine how the spoiled rations were distributed and whether lapses occurred in storage or preparation.

The police officers had been stationed as part of the tight security operation surrounding Erdogan’s meeting at the presidential complex in Ahlat, a historic town in Eastern Anatolia. Despite the mass poisoning, security operations reportedly continued without disruption, with additional forces mobilized to ensure the president’s protection.

This is not the first time Turkey has faced incidents of food-related illnesses among its armed or security forces, and experts are urging stricter quality controls to prevent future cases.