Eleven people, including seven children and four women, were hospitalised after reportedly falling ill following the consumption of a birthday cake at a gathering in Nalasopara East, Palghar district, on Saturday evening, August 15.
The incident took place at Neelkantheshwar building in the Takipada area, where a 25-year-old woman was celebrating her birthday. The cake had reportedly been purchased from Shree Chamunda Cake Shop, located in the same locality.
The cake was cut at around 6 pm and served to guests, including several children from the neighbourhood. Shortly after eating it, some of those present complained of a burning sensation in the chest, severe stomach pain and vomiting.
The affected individuals were taken to Vijaylaxmi Hospital in Nalasopara for treatment. Three children were initially kept in the intensive care unit (ICU) for close monitoring, while the remaining patients were also observed by doctors.
Hospital authorities later said that all 11 patients were in stable condition. They were discharged at around 8 pm on Sunday, August 16, after being kept under observation for 24 hours as the case was being treated as medico-legal.
Following the incident, claims emerged that a dead lizard had been found in the cake. The allegation prompted local authorities and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officials to inspect the bakery.
However, the FDA said its inspection did not substantiate the claim that a lizard or part of a lizard was present in the cake.
Officials did observe a tiny piece of material that appeared to be dried bombil (Bombay duck). The silver-coloured piece was approximately the size of a fingertip. According to the FDA, the material was not considered evidence of food poisoning.
During the inspection of Shree Chamunda Cake Shop, FDA officials found violations related to food manufacturing and hygiene practices. The agency subsequently issued a stop-work notice to the establishment.
An FDA official said the bakery was not following prescribed food-manufacturing practices and that violations under Schedule 4 of the applicable food safety requirements were observed.
Officials collected samples of the cake reportedly consumed by the affected individuals, along with samples of other cakes and food products available at the shop. These samples have been sent for examination.
Authorities are now awaiting the laboratory findings to determine whether the cake or any other food product was responsible for the illnesses.
Officials said further action against the bakery would depend on the results of the investigation and testing.
The incident has also renewed concerns over food safety, bakery hygiene and compliance with prescribed food-manufacturing standards, particularly when food is prepared and sold to large numbers of consumers.
Share
Tweet
