Several people hospitalized after eating at Markham restaurant, potential poisoning

Several people have become seriously sick and were taken to hospital after being potentially poisoned at a Markham restaurant.

York Regional Police say the possible poisoning took place at Delight Restaurant and BBQ located at 1250 Castlemore Ave.

Police say the incident is not considered to be criminal at this time and that the restaurant is cooperating with investigators.

The public health unit says several people became seriously ill after eating food from the restaurant on Saturday and Sunday. It says it can not confirm exactly how many people have been hospitalized because of the possible poisoning.

Anyone who dined at the restaurant over the weekend, or who ordered take out and is experiencing any symptoms is asked to contact medical help.

The health unit is also not confirming the cause of the illness, but a doctor with Sunnybrook Health Services Tweeted that he had heard reports in his hospital a potential poisoning involving aconite. It is commonly known at the Queen of poisons and commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine.

Hearing reports of a mass poisoning event related to a Markham restaurant, possibly involving aconite

Aconitine is a highly toxic alkaloid derived from the genus Aconitum (monkshood, wolfsbane and others)

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— David Juurlink (@DavidJuurlink) August 29, 2022

The doctor says symptoms are brought on quickly once ingested, which can include nausea, vomiting and cramping. Numbness to the face and weak muscles are also common. Aconite poison is considered life-threatening.

Delight Restaurant and BBQ will be closed as the investigation continues.