On February 28, 2025, J2 League team Tochigi SC announced the unfortunate outbreak of food poisoning within its top team, affecting both players and staff. The incident was confirmed when the club reported symptoms including diarrhea and vomiting among 25 individuals. This outbreak occurred between February 26 and 27, prompting immediate actions to address the health and safety of those involved.
The club explained, "We are currently investigating the cause, whether it originates from external or internal sources, under the guidance of public health authorities." Following the emergence of symptoms, the affected players and staff have been receiving medical attention, and as of now, all symptomatic individuals have been seen by healthcare professionals.
This alarming situation has not derailed plans for the upcoming match, as Tochigi SC is scheduled to face off against Akita on March 1, 2025. The match will proceed as planned, but the club has assured fans and stakeholders of stringent health and safety measures being enforced to safeguard everyone’s well-being during the event.
The club’s management expressed sincere apologies to those affected by this incident, stating, "We deeply regret any concern or inconvenience this situation has caused to our fans and the community. We take this matter seriously and are committed to ensuring such occurrences do not happen again by implementing thorough health and safety management protocols and prevention measures." Sparked by their challenging start to the season, with one draw and one loss and no goals scored so far, the food poisoning outbreak adds another layer of difficulty for Tochigi SC.
The situation has caught the attention of sports enthusiasts and the local community alike, highlighting not only the serious nature of food safety but also the impacts such incidents can have on team logistics and fan experience.
Officials and fans are paying close attention to any updates from the club as they prepare for the match, hoping for the health of the players and staff to recover swiftly. Amidst the health scare, Tochigi SC is determined to retain focus on their upcoming game against Akita and demonstrate resilience on the field, aiming to turn their early season misfortunes around.
With health authorities conducting investigations, fans remain hopeful for clarity on the cause of the outbreak soon. Meanwhile, Tochigi SC insists on maintaining confidence and solidarity within the team as they navigate this challenge together. The club emphasizes their commitment to prioritizing health and safety, ensuring all preventative measures are thoroughly reviewed and implemented.
Club representatives reiterated their dedication to frequent updates as they move forward with both the investigation and their scheduled match, fostering transparency with their supporters. They have thanked the fans for their continued support during this trying time, urging them to remain vigilant and to prioritize their well-being as well.
While the situation continues to evolve, Tochigi SC is making strides to address the outbreak comprehensively and will continue to work closely with health officials to implement required safety protocols. Players' health and safety remain at the forefront of the team's decisions, with the ultimate goal of ensuring everyone involved can return to normalcy as soon as possible.