A couple in Baghdad died and their five children were hospitalized after reportedly falling ill from a takeaway shawarma meal, prompting a public outcry and an ongoing investigation.
The family, living in the Al Nairiyah district, had eaten chicken and beef shawarma brought home by the father, Mohammed Al Faytar, last Tuesday night. Moments after dinner, Al Faytar collapsed and died at home, while his wife was rushed to a hospital but did not survive despite efforts to revive her, Iraqi media outlets reported.
The couple’s children, who also ate the same meal, were taken in for emergency care and remain in stable condition.
According to Rudaw, authorities have summoned the owner of the restaurant allegedly linked to the incident. Strangely, no other food poisoning cases have been reported from the same establishment, which continues to operate as the investigation unfolds.
The incident has rattled residents across Iraq, with social media users expressing both grief and confusion over the lack of clarity. Some are urging a boycott of shawarma vendors until results from the investigation are released, while others are calling for restraint, pointing out the absence of similar cases from the same eatery.
With no official confirmation yet on the exact cause of death, the community is left demanding answers — and accountability.
