Food Poisoning Outbreak at Astrakhan Grocery Store Sparks Investigation

A recent outbreak of food poisoning at a grocery store in Astrakhan has led to the interrogation of its employees by the Russian Federal Investigative Committee. According to Mikhail Derbasov, the owner of the 'Mikhailovsky' store, his staff were taken in for questioning. The incident occurred after 15 people, including a former deputy head of the regional health ministry, Pavel Dzhuvaleykov, fell ill with salmonella poisoning after visiting the store. The victims reported feeling unwell and were diagnosed with the bacterial infection. Derbasov, who is currently out of town, has described the situation as 'baffling' and claims that the store had recently won a court case against the city administration, which had sought to demolish the building. He suggests that the store's troubles began after the court ruling in their favor. The outbreak has prompted an investigation by Rospotrebnadzor, the Russian consumer protection agency. The first to seek medical attention was a seven-year-old boy from the capital, followed by his parents and then a woman with three children, as well as other individuals, including the former regional deputy minister. The store's owner has expressed concern over the sudden turn of events and the timing of the investigation.