Symptoms Observed Even After Washing
MFDS: "Multiple Similar Reports Received"
Recently, cases of vomiting after eating cherry tomatoes have increased, prompting authorities to launch an investigation.
On the 29th, according to Yonhap News and numerous online communities, there have been consecutive reports of vomiting or persistent scratchy sensations in the mouth and throat after eating cherry tomatoes.
Vomiting, Nausea, and Scratchy Sensations Felt After Consuming Cherry Tomatoes
In particular, between February and March of this year, many posts were concentrated on 'Knowledge IN,' a Q&A platform operated by the portal site Naver, reporting vomiting or nausea after eating cherry tomatoes.
One netizen stated, "After eating cherry tomatoes, my mouth and throat felt very bitter and I felt like vomiting." They added, "I vomited a few minutes later, and afterward, my head felt like it was going to split."
Another netizen reported feeling a burning sensation in the throat and nausea after eating cherry tomatoes. They suspected indigestion and even checked their pulse but sought advice as the symptoms persisted.
Similar testimonies were also abundant in various mom cafes. There were cases where both children and adults felt nauseous or vomited after eating cherry tomatoes as a snack. Since the snack was shared with children, they thoroughly washed the tomatoes but still expressed confusion.
A pregnant netizen also complained that she forced herself to vomit due to an unusual taste while eating, which made her anxious.
A mom cafe user, Ms. A, said, "These were regular cherry tomatoes sold at the local fruit and vegetable store, but as I ate them, the taste became bitter." She added, "I didn't think much of it at first, but after eating about a dozen, I started feeling nauseous 10 to 15 minutes later and kept vomiting."
She continued, "When I called 119, they advised fasting and going to the emergency room if vomiting continued after an hour. Fortunately, I got better, but I felt betrayed by the cherry tomatoes."
In response to these cases, other netizens shared information that under-ripe tomatoes might contain trace amounts of a toxic substance called 'solanine.' However, those who recently experienced vomiting symptoms testified that they ate fully ripe red tomatoes, raising further questions.
MFDS: "Investigating After Receiving Multiple Reports"
The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) has received several related damage reports and is investigating the cause.
An MFDS official said, "There have been similar cases related to elementary school meals recently, and we are collecting related information," adding, "It seems rare for vomiting symptoms to occur repeatedly after eating tomatoes."
They continued, "We are looking into this from various angles, including consulting other government departments to understand the cause," and said, "Once the cause is identified, we can provide specific guidelines."
They also emphasized, "There is some plausibility between solanine in cherry tomatoes and vomiting, but it is too early to make a definitive statement."
If you have experienced vomiting, nausea, or other unusual symptoms after eating cherry tomatoes, you can report it by calling the Food and Drug Safety Reporting Hotline at 1399 (toll-free).
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