A suspected food poisoning incident in Bhiwandi has left 88 people ill, including 33 women and 14 children, after they allegedly consumed food from a shawarma and pizza outlet on Khandu Pada Road. The number of affected individuals rose sharply from 11 on Thursday to 88 by Friday evening, prompting authorities to launch an investigation.
Details of the Incident
According to officials, the affected individuals reported consuming shawarma, pizza, and falooda from the Famous Shawarma shop before developing symptoms such as stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, and nausea within a few hours. All patients are undergoing treatment at the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Bhiwandi.
Hospital Response
Hospital authorities stated that all patients are in stable condition, though they continue to be monitored closely. Dr. Madhavi Pandhare, superintendent of IGM Hospital, said, “We have taken samples of vomit and stool for chemical analysis tests at FSL Kalina and biological examination at Kalwa’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Hospital. Most patients are responding well to treatment and are currently stable.”
Action Taken by Authorities
Following the incident, teams from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the health department, and Shanti Nagar police rushed to the spot. The FDA has sealed the food outlet, and samples of the food items served have been sent for testing.
Senior Police Inspector Vinayak Gaikwad of Shanti Nagar police station said a case has been registered against the shop owner, Dilshad Ansari, 27. “We have issued a notice to the proprietor, recorded his statement, and initiated further investigation into the matter,” he said.
Ongoing Investigation
Officials said the findings of the food safety tests will determine whether negligence or violation of food safety norms led to the mass illness. The investigation is underway.
