Health officials in Port Arthur are investigating a massive outbreak of suspected food poisoning that sent hundreds of industrial workers seeking medical attention following an employee appreciation breakfast. The incident occurred last Wednesday during an event hosted by Golden Pass LNG in Sabine Pass, where meals provided to contractors resulted in widespread illness among the staff.
The scale of the emergency was significant, with reports indicating that between 200 and 350 employees from McDermott Construction required urgent care. Many victims were transported via ambulances and buses to Prime Occupational Medicine, Baptist Hospital in Beaumont, and The Medical Center of Southeast Texas. Patients reported suffering from severe stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea shortly after consuming the meal.
According to a spokesperson for the Port Arthur Health Department, early findings suggest that cross contamination likely occurred during the preparation of the breakfast food. While investigators are still working to determine exactly how the lapse happened, they believe contaminated ingredients or surfaces played a key role in making so many people sick.
The restaurant responsible for catering the event, El Refu on Memorial Boulevard, has remained closed since the outbreak began. Officials stated that they requested the business shut its doors while the probe continues, though representatives noted that the establishment is cooperating fully with health inspectors. Authorities are currently awaiting final laboratory test results to formally confirm the cause of the illness.
