Broadspectrum, the company formerly known as Transfield and which runs Australia’s offshore detention centres, has said there was no food poisoning or teeth found in food on Manus.
However, the company’s staff on the island, as well as asylum seekers, have insisted the events did occur.
Guardian Australia reported last Friday on an outbreak of gastroenteritis in Delta compound, and on Tuesday about two human teeth reportedly found in food in Oscar compound.
In a statement released late Wednesday, the company said: “Broadspectrum confirms there is no validity to these claims. Broadspectrum has not received any complaints or reports from asylum seekers relating to these alleged incidents.”
“Broadspectrum is committed to the highest food security and quality standards and stands by its track record in delivering services at regional processing centres.”
However, in response to the statement, staff on Manus Island said both incidents did happen.
The staff cannot be named because they could be jailed for speaking out about conditions of detention.
Asylum seekers in the affected compounds also insisted the events did occur.
“Last Friday more than 60 people got sick and [they] sent them to medical,” one person said from inside the detention centre. “I am in Delta now, it definitely happened, the people got diarrhoea and stomachache.”
“Oscar people found teeth in food.”
