In the second incident of food poisoning within two weeks in Mumbai, a 19-year-old man died on Tuesday after consuming shawarma from a roadside vendor in Trombay on Monday, officials said. Two vendors have been arrested for serving spoilt chicken that led to the death.
According to officials of Trombay Police, Maharashtra Nagar residents Prathamesh Bhokse (19) and his uncle Hameed Abbas Syed (40) consumed shawarma at a food stall run by Anand Kamble and Mohammad Shaikh near Hanuman Chali on May 3.
The next day, Prathamesh had stomach pain and vomiting, following which he went to the nearby municipal hospital and got medical treatment. He felt better with treatment.
However, on May 5, he had diarrhoea and was taken to KEM Hospital Parel where the duty doctor treated him and sent him home. On Monday morning, he developed weakness and was taken to KEM again where he was admitted and died on Tuesday during treatment.
“We tried to resuscitate him but he died on Tuesday,” said a doctor from the hospital.
In the last week of April, 12 people were hospitalised with food poisoning after consuming chicken shawarma from a roadside vendor in Goregaon.
Based on the statement of his uncle and the hospital report, Trombay police registered an FIR against the shop owner for serving spoilt chicken in shawarma that led to the teenager’s death. Both shop owners were placed under arrest.
Investigating officer Amol Chate told The Indian Express, “We are still investigating the matter.”
“Consuming roadside chicken during summer poses significant health risks, including severe food poisoning and even fatal outcomes. The combination of high temperatures and unregulated food handling increases the likelihood of bacterial contamination, leading to gastrointestinal illnesses,” said the doctor from KEM hospital on condition of anonymity.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), meanwhile, has started crackdown on illegal food stalls the area.