A suspected food poisoning incident in Maharashtra’s Bhiwandi city has taken a serious turn, with the number of affected individuals rising to 59.
The victims, including seven children, several women, and men, reportedly consumed food from the same shawarma and pizza outlet located on Khandu Pada Road.
According to officials, people began experiencing symptoms such as stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and uneasiness a few hours after consuming shawarma, pizza, and falooda from the eatery on Wednesday night.
Initially, 11 patients were admitted to the hospital, but the number of affected individuals has now increased to 59. Health authorities have indicated that the figure could rise further as more people continue to seek medical treatment.
All patients are currently undergoing treatment at the Late Indira Gandhi Memorial (IGM) Hospital in Bhiwandi.
Hospital authorities stated that most patients are in stable condition, though they remain under continuous observation.
Officials said that confirmation of food poisoning will only be possible after laboratory analysis of food samples and medical examination reports.
Following the incident, teams from the Shanti Nagar Police, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Health Department launched an investigation.
Authorities have inspected the concerned food outlet, and food samples have been collected and sent for testing.
The administration has urged citizens not to pay attention to rumours and to seek immediate medical assistance if they experience any symptoms related to foodborne illness.
The investigation is ongoing, and officials are awaiting test results to determine the exact cause of the outbreak.
