Shawarma consumption at Alwal Grill House leaves 17 severely ill; manager held

Hyderabad: Seventeen people were taken ill after consuming Shawarma at Grill House in Alwal.

The incident occurred when people consumed Shawarma mixed with mayonnaise. Soon after people started complaining of vomiting, diarrhea, and other severe health issues. Initially, four victims were reported, but the number surged to 17 within five days.

All affected individuals are currently undergoing treatment at Cantonment General Hospital Bollaram.

Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) officer confirmed that the victims' blood tests revealed the presence of harmful salmonella bacteria, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the situation.

GHMC Food Safety Officer (FSO) B Laxmikanth, Food Safety Office stated, "The blood tests of the victims showed the presence of Salmonella bacteria. The number of victims increased," shedding light on the severity of the contamination.

Root Cause and Warnings:

Food poisoning has been linked to the consumption of mayonnaise, a condiment commonly used in dishes like Shawarma, kebabs, pizzas, burgers, and sandwiches. Mayonnaise, typically prepared with egg yolk, lemon juice, and oil, poses a risk when hygiene standards are compromised during its preparation. FSO Lakshmikant cautioned that even properly prepared mayonnaise should be consumed within four hours, as extended storage could result in contamination and illness.

GHMC Gazetted Food Inspector Sudarshan Reddy said there many people suffer from health complications after consuming mayonnaise. Reddy assured that special inspections would be conducted, and action would be taken against establishments found negligent in maintaining hygiene standards.

Manager Arrested:

Grill House manager Taufiq has been arrested. Alwal Inspector Rahul Dev disclosed that on January 13, 17 people fell ill after consuming Shawarma at Grill House in Lothkunta. Currently, thirteen victims are receiving treatment at Cantonment Hospital, while four are being treated in private hospitals.

GHMC officials confirmed that food contamination was the cause of the widespread illness. B Laxmikanth, Food Safety Officer, filed a complaint at Alwal police station against Grill House, located in Lothkunta, Alwal. According to the complaint, a case has been registered under sections 273 and 269 of the IPC, and the manager responsible has been arrested on Tuesday, said the inspector.