Was mayonnaise the villain? Three under treatment for food poisoning from Al Reem test positive for Shigella

KOCHI: Three people who had food from Al Reem Hotel have tested positive for Shigella. The disease was confirmed following a food poisoning outbreak at the outlet in Katrikadavu of l Reem Hotel chain, which is famous for its kuzhimanthi.

About fifty people who had food from the restaurant on July 11 and 12 developed health issues and sought treatment. Of these, three tested positive for Shigella when samples of 15 who were initially admitted to the hospital were tested. The district medical officer has confirmed this.

It is believed that the cause of the infection was the mayonnaise eaten with kuzhimanthi. Reports say that those who did not eat mayonnaise did not have any health problems. However, the explanation given by hoteliers and some nearby traders is that the drinking water supplied by the corporation, including in the hotel, is the cause of Shigella. However, this has not been officially confirmed.

A large protest was held in front of the hotel the other day after food poisoning was confirmed. The hotel was closed after the corporation and the food safety department received complaints. Samples were also collected from here for testing. The police, who had registered a case in the incident, had inspected the hotel. The police explained that the investigation is progressing.