Najaf restaurant closed after 20 food poisoning cases recorded

NAJAF — Najaf health authorities reported Friday that around 20 cases of food poisoning have been linked to a restaurant in the governorate, which has been closed as a precaution while laboratory tests are conducted.

Maher al-Aboudi, director of media at the Najaf Health Directorate, told 964media that 16 cases were recorded at Al-Furat Hospital and four at Sadr Medical City, involving people from different families. Inspection teams have collected samples from affected individuals and food items served at the restaurant to determine the cause.

Al-Aboudi said the restaurant would remain closed until test results are available and appropriate legal and health measures are taken to protect public safety and prevent recurrence.

The incident is the latest in a series of food poisoning outbreaks at Iraqi eating establishments. Earlier this year, Amiriyat al-Fallujah General Hospital received 75 cases after residents in southern Baghdad ate a donated meal distributed in Yusufiya district. Previous outbreaks include more than 120 hospitalizations in Duhok in late August 2025 following meals at a restaurant, 29 cases in Baqubah in September linked to falafel from a newly opened restaurant, and more than 50 cases in Wasit’s Numaniyah district in October, when authorities shut down a cafeteria pending investigation.