At least 68 people have been admitted to hospitals after consuming food from a restaurant in North Paravur, Kerala. When the incident was first reported by 11 am, three persons were being treated for suspected food poisoning. But by 5 pm, the number shot up to 35 with the condition of one understood to be critical. The majority of those taken ill had eaten meat items such as Kuzhimandi, Shawai and Al-Fahm. It is unclear which food item served at Majlis hotel caused the food poisoning.
Those unwell are admitted to hospitals in Paravur, Thrissur, Kalamassery and Kozhikode. The patients in a Kozhikode hospital had stopped en route to eat from the hotel. Geethu, a Cherai native, who was in critical condition, has been admitted to Ernakulam Medical College Hospital. At least 27, including two children were admitted to Paravur Taluk Hospital. Seven people have sought treatment in private hospitals. Nine people who showed symptoms of food poisoning, and sought treatment, are students of Kunnukara MES College.
The hotel has been sealed by the authorities. Another eatery belonging to the restaurant group was shut down last month for adding colour to old tea powder. The Kerala Food Safety Department has launched an investigation into the incident. The medical team is working to identify the cause of the food poisoning and to identify the source of the contaminated food. The authorities are taking all necessary measures to provide medical treatment to those affected.
