In the aftermath of a tragic food poisoning case that claimed the lives of a mother from Hamburg and her two young children during a holiday in Istanbul, law enforcement officials in Turkey have detained a local bakery employee. The bakery is situated near the family's hotel in the Fatih district. This latest arrest brings the total number of individuals in custody in connection with the ongoing investigation to eight.

According to multiple local media sources, the most recent detainee is employed at a nearby bakery. Previous arrests included a hotel manager and two individuals responsible for conducting disinfection procedures at the hotel. Four additional suspects, reportedly vendors selling sweets, stuffed mussels, and a traditional dish made from veal intestines known as Kokorec, were also taken into custody. All suspects are being investigated on suspicion of negligent homicide.

Ongoing Investigation into Food Poisoning

The Turkish authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the deaths, which have been attributed to suspected food poisoning. The victims, a mother and her two children aged three and six, fell ill while on vacation and died despite medical intervention. The father of the family remains hospitalized in intensive care, but no updated information on his condition has been released.

Health officials have confirmed that foodborne toxins are the primary focus of the investigation. The State Prosecutor's Office is working closely with Istanbul's Health Directorate to determine the exact source and type of contamination. Samples of food from the hotel and nearby retail establishments have been collected for laboratory analysis.

Additional Tourists Hospitalized

In addition to the initial fatalities, two more tourists who reported symptoms such as vomiting and nausea were admitted to hospital for treatment. Health authorities have stated that their conditions are stable, and they remain under observation. Another guest sharing the same hotel room was also examined after presenting signs of a slowed heart rate; he, too, is reported to be in stable condition.

Officials have underlined that there is currently no evidence to suggest a broader outbreak. The affected hotel and surrounding businesses have been subjected to thorough inspections, and preventive measures have been implemented to safeguard public health.

Heightened Scrutiny of Food Vendors

The incident has led to heightened scrutiny of street food vendors and local eateries in the vicinity. Authorities have temporarily closed several establishments pending the outcome of food safety inspections. The Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Health have both stressed the importance of strict compliance with hygiene regulations, particularly in tourist areas.

Local government representatives have reassured residents and visitors that all necessary steps are being taken to determine the cause of the food poisoning and to prevent further incidents. The investigation remains ongoing, and further arrests or charges may be possible based on laboratory findings and witness testimonies.

Tourists visiting Istanbul are being advised to exercise caution when consuming food from unfamiliar sources and to report any symptoms of illness to local health authorities promptly.