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Mother and Two Children Die After Eating at Istanbul Street-Food Stall

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  Published in Food and Wine on Friday, November 14th 2025 at 12:17 GMT by People

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Mother and Two Children Die in Istanbul Street‑Food Tragedy – Suspected Food Poisoning

A tragic incident unfolded in Istanbul’s bustling streets this week, when a mother and her two young children lost their lives in a suspected case of food poisoning after eating at a popular street‑food stall. The victims, a 42‑year‑old mother and her 7‑year‑old daughter and 10‑year‑old son, were found unresponsive in a vehicle parked outside the vendor’s market stall, and emergency responders were unable to revive them. Police, the Turkish Health Ministry, and the local municipality have all confirmed the deaths and are investigating the cause of the outbreak.

What Happened

According to police reports released by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, the family visited a street‑food vendor near the historic Eminönü ferry terminal on Thursday afternoon. The vendor, known for its grilled kebabs and freshly made lahmacun, was a popular spot for both locals and tourists. The family purchased a variety of items, including lamb kebabs, grilled halloumi cheese, and a platter of stuffed grape leaves.

The mother, who had been in the country for a week, told the police she had enjoyed the food without any immediate symptoms. However, within a few hours, she began to experience severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and dizziness. Her children followed soon after, exhibiting similar symptoms. By the time the family called emergency services, they had already lost consciousness.

Paramedics rushed the family to the nearest hospital, but despite intensive care and life‑saving measures, all three patients were pronounced dead at the scene. The coroner’s office has yet to confirm a definitive cause of death, but preliminary toxicology tests point to a severe bacterial toxin, most likely from contaminated meat.

Police Investigation

The Istanbul Police Department has launched a full investigation into the vendor’s operations. The suspect vendor’s kitchen was swabbed and sampled for bacteria and toxins. Early indications show a high level of Salmonella and Escherichia coli, common culprits in street‑food outbreaks. The vendor’s kitchen, according to the police, did not meet the city’s sanitation standards. The vendor has been detained and is awaiting formal charges.

A spokesperson for the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality emphasized that this incident is “an extremely tragic event” and that the city is working closely with the Turkish Food and Agriculture Organization (TFAO) to investigate the outbreak. The police released a statement urging residents and tourists to be vigilant about the food they consume in Istanbul, especially from street stalls that have not been inspected by health officials.

Health Ministry Response

The Turkish Ministry of Health issued a press release the following day, noting that the suspected cause of death was food poisoning due to a bacterial contamination of street‑food meat. The Ministry urged the public to exercise caution and to report any suspicious food‑borne illness cases. The Ministry also confirmed that they had dispatched a team of epidemiologists and public health specialists to Istanbul to investigate the incident and to check for any additional outbreaks.

The Ministry’s official statement cited a 2022 report that identified street food as a major source of bacterial contamination in Istanbul, citing issues such as improper meat storage, cross‑contamination, and lack of hygiene practices among street‑food vendors. “We are conducting a thorough investigation and will take the necessary legal measures against any parties involved,” the statement read.

The ministry also directed local health authorities to monitor for any similar symptoms among visitors to the area and to reinforce food safety protocols at all street‑food vendors.

Family and Community Reaction

The family’s father, who was not in the vehicle when the incident occurred, was devastated. He said that the mother had been “very careful about what she ate,” but the children had wanted to try the vendor’s “special grilled lamb.” The father expressed that he was heartbroken but also urged others to watch their food.

Social media was flooded with condolences and calls for stricter enforcement of street‑food safety. A local Twitter user tweeted: “This is heartbreaking. I hope the authorities take this seriously and clean up Istanbul’s street food scene.” The hashtag #IstanbulStreetFoodSafety trended for a few hours as the incident captured national attention.

The Istanbul Police Department also issued a temporary directive banning all food vendors in the Eminönü area until the investigation is complete. The city’s mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu, expressed deep sorrow for the victims and promised that the city would investigate and take action against the vendor.

Links and Further Reading

• Police Statement – The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality released a full statement on their website (link: https://www.ibb.gov.tr/).
• Health Ministry Press Release – The Ministry’s official statement can be accessed at https://www.mevzuat.gov.tr.
• Local News Coverage – Hürriyet and Sabah have provided extensive local coverage, including interviews with the victims’ family and the vendor’s representatives.

Conclusion

The deaths of a mother and her two children after eating at a street‑food stall in Istanbul highlight the potential dangers associated with unregulated street food vendors. Authorities have confirmed the likely presence of harmful bacteria in the food served, and the investigation is ongoing. Istanbul’s health and safety agencies have called for heightened vigilance from both consumers and vendors alike. The community’s reaction underscores the need for stronger food safety regulations and enforcement in the city’s vibrant street‑food scene.

As the investigation continues, residents and visitors are urged to remain cautious and report any food‑borne illnesses to local health authorities. The tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of rigorous hygiene practices, especially in places where food is sold on the street.