Salmonella bacteria have been found in samples collected after about 106 persons who had food from an eatery in North Paravur in Ernakulam were afflicted. food poisoning On 16 January.
Food poisoning was reported in people who consumed mayonnaise, ‘al-fahm’, ‘manthi’, ‘peri-peri manthi’ and mixed fried rice from the Majlis Hotel near the Municipal Office building. Infections were mostly found in people who made mayonnaise from raw eggs.
The presence of salmonella was confirmed in tests conducted by the government’s health department. Medical College, Ernakulam. Affected individuals developed symptoms including fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea within five to six hours of eating various foods. Salmonella infection is usually caused by eating raw or undercooked meat, poultry, and eggs or egg products.
An official communication from the health department urged various stakeholders in the food industry and the public to be vigilant against the increasing incidents of food poisoning reported in Ernakulam. Around 196 people have been affected by food poisoning since the beginning of the new year. Most either had food from their educational institutions, hostels; while attending holiday camps; and from various eateries.
Health officials warned against preparing food in unhygienic conditions. Managers of various eateries, food supply and storage units must comply with food safety norms or face legal action. Caution should be taken to avoid self-medication when symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, headache, and abdominal pain occur. Affected persons should immediately seek specialist treatment in various hospitals.