SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) — More than 300 mine workers have been hospitalized with food poisoning in the Dominican Republic.
Health Minister Bautista Rojas Gomez says the workers became ill after eating food provided during an overnight shift at the Barrick Gold mine. He says 326 workers were hospitalized Monday and others are receiving outpatient treatment.
The mine's executive director, Fernando Sanchez, says a contractor provided the food and that the illnesses have nothing to do with the work at the mine that employs 3,500 people.
The Canadian company is excavating for gold and other minerals at the Pueblo Viejo mine 60 miles (100 kilometers) northwest of the Caribbean nation's capital, Santo Domingo.
