30 affected by food poisoning after eating Shawarma; restaurant shuts down in Thiruvananthapuram

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Around 30 people fell ill with food poisoning after eating shawarma from a restaurant in Attakkulangara on Friday night. They began experiencing vomiting and diarrhea by the next morning. The affected shawarma was from Istanbul Hotel in Attakulangara. After the incident, the Food Safety Department inspected the restaurant and ordered its closure. Samples of the spice-coated chicken and mayonnaise were taken for testing. The authorities suspect that the mayonnaise caused the food poisoning. Both the chicken and mayonnaise used in cooking yesterday were seized. Officials believe a mistake in preparing the shawarma and mayonnaise might have led to the contamination.

Ten of the affected individuals were treated at a private hospital in Karamana, while others received treatment at private hospitals in Manakad and Anayara. Most patients came from areas including Killipalam, Karamana, Attukal, Manakad, Kamleshwaram, Srivaraham, and Petta. Common symptoms were headaches, vomiting, and diarrhea. Fortunately, none of the patients are in serious condition, and most were discharged by the evening.