The number of suspected food poisoning cases linked to a shawarma outlet in Bhiwandi has risen to 145. Nearly 100 patients remain admitted to the Indira Gandhi Memorial (IGM) Sub-District Hospital, while others are undergoing treatment at private hospitals. Many patients have recovered and have already been discharged.
Hospital officials said seven more patients were admitted on Sunday. The outbreak started from food consumed at the "Famous Shawarma" restaurant in Bhiwandi's Khandu Pada area. As per reports, people who ate pizza and chicken shawarma from the outlet began falling ill soon afterwards. Several patients were also shifted to private hospitals for treatment.
The first group of 11 patients came to IGM Hospital on June 18. Since then, the number of patients has increased. The incident has become one of the largest suspected food poisoning outbreaks reported in Bhiwandi in recent years.
Following the outbreak, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) launched a drive against food establishments. Officials have begun checking food outlets as part of the ongoing investigation.
Police said customers who had eaten there on June 17 started having stomach pain and diarrhoea the following day and had to be taken to hospitals. Officials said the restaurant operates from 4 pm to 2 am. Investigators found that only customers who consumed shawarma after 10 pm reported falling sick.
However, the exact cause of the illnesses has not yet been determined. Authorities are looking into the preparation process. The investigation is continuing, and food samples and other factors are being examined. The official also noted that incidents of food poisoning generally increase during May and June because of weather conditions.
As per reports, many patients have responded well to medical care and are recovering. But the handling of the situation has been criticised.
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