Protecting families from contaminated food and water
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Protecting families from contaminated food and water
Posted in Our Blog,Outbreaks & Recalls on September 21, 2026
The Port Arthur Health Department is investigating an incident of foodborne illness at Golden Pass LNG. These illnesses are linked to an event held at the Port Arthur facility on September 16, 2026. So far, the food vendor is currently being investigated and cooperating.
Here’s what we know so far about food poisoning at Golden Pass LNG and what you should know if you become sick.
Reports of food poisoning at Golden Pass LNG have surfaced after at least 170 people reported falling sick after eating food at the facility on September 16, 2026. Port Arthur Fire Chief Robert Havens reported that sick people were taken off-site to receive treatment or observation after consuming breakfast tacos served by an outside caterer.
The fire department responded to calls around 8 a.m. that morning with people reporting nausea and vomiting as predominant symptoms. Workers were transported to local medical facilities by ambulance or bus.
Both city officials and Texas Department of State Health Services are currently investigating the outbreak. Judith Smith, director of health services for the City of Port Arthur, says that the department’s investigation involves examining the food served, where it came from, and how many people consumed it.
The day after reports of illnesses, the City of Port Arthur issued a statement.
CITY OF PORT ARTHUR STATEMENT
PORT ARTHUR FOOD ILLNESS AT GOLDEN PASS LNG FACILITY 2026
“The City of Port Arthur responded to an event on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at the Golden Pass LNG facility, where nearly 200 individuals reported becoming ill after consuming food at the facility.
First responders and the Port Arthur Health Department acted swiftly in response to the incident and began an investigation.
It has been confirmed that El Refu provided the food for the employees and they are cooperating with health officials in the ongoing investigation.
The City of Port Arthur is working with local medical facilities and the Texas Department of Health and Human Services to determine the cause of the reported illnesses.”
In response to the food poisoning at Golden Pass LNG catered event, the company also released a statement.
“This morning, McDermott made Golden Pass LNG aware of reports of illness by individuals working at our project site following the distribution of food prepared by an outside vendor. Site medical personnel and first responders were notified and provided appropriate care and support. We are actively engaging with McDermott to support their response and investigation efforts. The health and well-being of everyone working on our project is our highest priority.”
Initial reports did not immediately identify the event caterer. However, recent developments indicated that El Refu provided the food.
It is unclear whether the potential adulteration occurred from an ingredient supplier, contamination during preparation or food service, or if temperature control was a factor.
Director Smith indicated that the City’s sanitarians, the group responsible for inspecting restaurants and foodborne illnesses are investigating the incident of food poisoning at Golden Pass LNG.
The specific germ responsible for the food poisoning at Golden Pass LNG has not yet been released. Laboratory analysis is likely underway for which the results should be available soon.
With food poisoning symptoms presenting at 8 a.m. and nausea and vomiting as primary symptoms, my first thought for which germ is responsible for the food poisoning at Golden Pass LNG is a bacterium that produces a toxin.
Something like Bacillus cereus or Staphylococcus aureus.
The first germ that came to mind for this situation was Bacillus cereus. More specifically, caused by bacterial toxins already present in the food. The reason for this involves the emetic and quick nature of this germ’s toxin.
There are two versions of Bacillus cereus infections. The first being diarrheal illness, where the bacteria is present in food and produces toxins once in the body. This presents diarrheal symptoms around six hours to 15 hours after consuming contaminated food.
Emetic “vomiting” occurs when the bacteria have already produced toxins. These toxins cause vomiting (sometimes “projectile” vomiting) within 30 minutes but up to six hours after consuming contaminated food.
People are often sick for about a day with both versions of this foodborne infection.
Common sources of Bacillus cereus infections are rice, sauces, soups, or prepared foods that have sat at room temperature for too long. If temperature control was a factor in the food poisoning at Golden Pass LNG, this germ is at the top of my list for likely suspects.
The other potential toxin-producing suspect for the food poisoning at Golden Pass LNG is Staphylococcus aureus.
Most people hear Staphylococcus aureus and think of a staph skin infection. Which is not entirely wrong. This germ is commonly found on the skin. But it can contaminate food if hands are not washed well before preparing or serving it.
Common symptoms of staphylococcal food poisoning involve sudden nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps. Diarrhea is also common with these illnesses.
People usually begin feeling symptoms within 30 minutes (up to eight hours) after consuming contaminated food. These symptoms usually resolve within a day.
Common foods associated with staphylococcal food poisoning often involve foods that are not cooked after handling. Things like sliced meats, puddings, pastries, and sandwiches. An infected food handler could have propagated this incident.
If you have become sick with food poisoning at Golden Pass LNG there are a few things to consider.
Food poisoning symptoms can result in serious dehydration. Drink plenty of fluids, avoid caffeine or sugary drinks, and replace electrolytes to reduce your risk. If you begin feeling symptoms of dehydration because you are unable to replace lost fluid from food poisoning symptoms, seek medical attention right away!
The City of Port Arthur Health Department and Texas Department of State Health Services are currently investigating this incident of food poisoning at Golden Pass LNG. Reporting your illness could help provide additional details for their investigation. Specific items consumed, the time you ate them, or other questions they may have as part of their interview process. Every bit helps.
If you have been seriously impacted by your food poisoning at Golden Pass LNG, it is a good idea to get advice from a food poisoning lawyer. An experienced food poisoning lawyer can help answer your questions, gather evidence on your behalf, and represent you as needed. Medical bills, lost work, and other burdens associated with food poisoning add up. A food poisoning lawyer can help you recover those expenses.
Have you become sick with food poisoning at Golden Pass LNG? You may have a legal case.
The Food Poisoning Lawyers at The Lange Law Firm, PLLC can help!
Call (833) 330-3663 or click here to send an email and a member of our compassionate staff will get back with you soon.
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)