Bhiwandi suspected food poisoning sickens over 145 as authorities inspect and close eateries

Bhiwandi Shawarma Food Poisoning Cases Surge To 145, Nearly 100 Still Hospitalised As Outbreak Continues To Unfold

The number of suspected food poisoning cases linked to a popular shawarma outlet in Bhiwandi has continued to rise, with the total count reaching 145 by Sunday, raising fresh concerns over food safety and public health in the city. While dozens of patients have recovered and been discharged, nearly 100 people remain admitted at the Indira Gandhi Memorial (IGM) Sub-District Hospital, even as several others are undergoing treatment at private hospitals.Fresh AdmissionsHospital authorities said seven new patients were admitted on Sunday, indicating that the outbreak is still unfolding. Apart from IGM Hospital, multiple patients have also been shifted to private healthcare facilities due to the surge in cases.The outbreak is believed to have originated after people consumed chicken shawarma and pizza from the 'Famous Shawarma' outlet located in Bhiwandi's Khandu Pada area. The first cluster of 11 patients was admitted to IGM Hospital on June 18, a day after they reportedly consumed the food. Since then, the number of affected people has steadily increased, making it one of the city's largest suspected food poisoning incidents in recent years.Hospital Influx & RecoveryAs the number of patients rose sharply, IGM Hospital had to accommodate a large influx of victims, while several private hospitals also admitted patients for treatment. Although many patients have shown signs of recovery, fresh admissions on Sunday indicate that the impact of the incident has not yet completely subsided.Dr. Izhar Ansari, Medical Officer at IGM Sub-District Hospital, said that a total of 145 patients had been admitted to the hospital by Sunday. He added that nearly 45 patients had recovered sufficiently and were discharged after being provided with a five-day course of medication. The discharged patients have been advised to return to the hospital for a follow-up medical examination after completing the prescribed medicines.Patient Condition & MonitoringAccording to Dr. Ansari, the condition of the majority of admitted patients has improved considerably with treatment. He said doctors are continuously monitoring the patients, and those responding well are being discharged with medicines and follow-up instructions. However, he confirmed that around 100 patients are still undergoing treatment at the hospital.Meanwhile, the incident has triggered political criticism over the handling of the situation. Samajwadi Party's Bhiwandi city president, Anas Ansari, who visited IGM Hospital along with party leader Riyaz Azmi and other office-bearers, alleged that the condition of patients was not satisfactory and questioned the overall management of the crisis.Bhiwandi: Mahanagar Gas Drilling Damages Main Water Pipeline; Massive Water Loss Raises Supply Disruption Fears Across Several AreasSpeaking after interacting with patients, Anas Ansari claimed that several admitted individuals were still complaining of severe stomach pain, vomiting and other gastrointestinal symptoms. He urged the hospital administration, the Bhiwandi Municipal Corporation and the Maharashtra government to ensure proper treatment for all affected patients and to strengthen monitoring of food establishments to prevent similar incidents in the future.The continuing rise in the number of patients has intensified concerns over food hygiene standards and regulatory enforcement in the city. Health authorities are expected to continue monitoring the situation closely as patients recover, while investigations into the source of the contamination remain underway.The incident has once again highlighted the urgent need for stricter food safety inspections and prompt enforcement against establishments found violating hygiene norms, particularly as the city witnesses one of its biggest suspected food poisoning outbreaks in recent years.To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/

12 hours ago

Thane FDA Cracks Down On Bhiwandi Food Joints After Food Poisoning Scare; 4 Establishments Ordered To Shut

Bhiwandi: Days after a suspected food poisoning incident left more than 145 people ill in Bhiwandi, the Thane Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has launched a massive enforcement drive against eateries, roadside food stalls and fast-food outlets across the city. Acting on growing public health concerns, FDA officials conducted surprise inspections on Sunday evening, collecting food samples from multiple establishments and issuing closure notices to those found violating food safety norms.The crackdown triggered panic among roadside vendors, with several food stalls reportedly shutting down immediately after the inspection teams arrived. Many vendors allegedly fled the area to avoid regulatory action.One of the key targets of the drive was Baba Shawarma, located in Gabi Nagar, where FDA officials carried out a detailed inspection. The team collected samples of chicken, shawarma base, tomato sauce and other food ingredients for laboratory testing to determine whether they met prescribed food safety standards.Mumbai To Get 1,233 MLD Recycled Water By 2027 As BMC Fast-Tracks STP Project Speaking to The Free Press Journal, Santosh Sirosia, Assistant Commissioner, Thane FDA, said that food samples were collected from nine hotels and  food stalls during the operation. He confirmed that four establishments were served business suspension notices after serious violations of food safety regulations were detected.We have also sent six surveillance samples for laboratory analysis. The inspection drive in Bhiwandi will continue in the coming days and strict action will be taken against those compromising public health Sirosia said.He further revealed that the FDA is preparing a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) in coordination with the Bhiwandi Nizampur City Municipal Corporation (BNCMC) to strengthen monitoring of food businesses across the city. The proposed SOP will specifically address the growing number of unidentified roadside vendors operating without proper licences or hygiene compliance.According to the FDA, special surveillance will also be carried out on eateries and food outlets operating late into the night. Officials said that establishments found violating food safety norms, maintaining unhygienic kitchens, or selling unsafe food products will face stringent legal action under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act.'Cleaner Seas, Cleaner Shores': MbPA To Install Recycling Machines Across Mumbai Waterfront The enforcement drive follows one of the city's biggest suspected food poisoning incidents in recent years, which exposed serious concerns over hygiene standards at several food outlets. Health authorities believe sustained inspections, regular sampling and coordinated action between the FDA and civic authorities are essential to restore public confidence and prevent similar incidents in the future.The FDA has urged citizens to purchase food only from licensed establishments and immediately report unhygienic food outlets or suspected cases of food contamination to the authorities.To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/

13 hours ago

Thane: 120 Fall Ill In Suspected Bhiwandi Food Poisoning Outbreak; Eatery Demolished As Probe Continues

Bhiwandi: A suspected mass food poisoning outbreak in Bhiwandi left 120 people ill after they allegedly consumed chicken shawarma, pizza and falooda from a popular food outlet in Khandu Pada, exposing serious concerns over food safety and the city's public healthcare infrastructure. As the number of patients surged over the past 48 hours, the Bhiwandi Municipal Corporation (BMC) launched demolition action against the illegally constructed portion of the eatery known as "Famous Shawarma" even as laboratory reports on food samples are still awaited.The affected persons were admitted to the Indira Gandhi Memorial (IGM) Sub-District Hospital, where the sudden influx of patients overwhelmed available facilities. The crisis forced hospital authorities to accommodate two patients on a single bed in several wards, highlighting the shortage of medical infrastructure despite long-standing promises of expanding the hospital into a 200-bed facility.Kalyan Minor's Brutal Assault By Two Elderly Men Sparks Political Firestorm As Rival Shiv Sena Factions Demand Death PenaltyAccording to officials, the first 11 patients were admitted on the night of June 17 A case of suspected mass food poisoning was registered the following night, after which the number of patients continued to rise rapidly. By Saturday, the total had reached 120.Hospital authorities said nine patients have recovered and been discharged while 111 patients remain admitted. Of these, nine are under observation in the casualty ward. Three patients whose condition deteriorated were referred to Thane Civil Hospital, including a child who was initially reported to be in a critical condition but is now stated to be stable. Several other patients are also undergoing treatment at private hospitals.With government hospital facilities coming under pressure the municipal health department issued instructions to several private hospitals across the city to immediately admit and treat any new patients reporting similar symptoms.Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sandeep Gadekar confirmed that private healthcare facilities had been asked to extend support in managing the increasing number of cases.MVA Boycotts CM Devendra Fadnavis's Pre-Session Tea Meeting, Accuses Mahayuti Govt Of Indifference To Pressing Public IssuesThe incident triggered visits by several political leaders and public representatives, including Member of Parliament Suresh Mhatre, Mayor Narayan Chaudhary, MLA Mahesh Choughule, Samajwadi Party district president Anas Ansari, Riyaz Azmi, and others, who met patients and reviewed the situation at the hospital.Expressing concern, Mayor Narayan Chaudhary said businesses exist to earn profits but cannot do so by compromising public health. "No one has the right to earn money by poisoning people," he said, adding that endangering citizens for commercial gain is a serious offence. He welcomed the fact that no fatalities had been reported so far and stressed that food establishments serving large numbers of customers must maintain the highest standards of hygiene and food safety. He also said that if any establishment was found operating without a valid licence, strict civic action, including demolition, would follow.Acting on directions from the civic administration, the Municipal Corporation's anti-encroachment department carried out demolition proceedings at the Famous Shawarma outlet in Khandu Pada on Saturday afternoon.Under the supervision of Assistant Municipal Commissioner Maqsoom Shaikh of Ward Committee No.1 a JCB machine was used to remove the allegedly unauthorised portion of the establishment.Mumbai's East Indian Communities Revive Centuries-Old Prayer Processions & Rosaries To Seek Divine Intervention For Delayed Monsoon Municipal officials stated that stringent action would be taken against anyone found endangering public health. However, the demolition has also sparked debate.Speaking to media MP Suresh Mhatre pointed out that both the police and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had already collected food samples for laboratory examination and that the test reports were expected within two to three days.He questioned the timing of the demolition, saying action against the establishment before the investigation report was available was inappropriate.The incident has also reignited concerns regarding food safety enforcement in Bhiwandi. According to local sources, various wholesale markets in the city allegedly sell discounted food products including frozen meat and other consumables at significantly lower prices. There are also allegations that certain expired food products continue to circulate in local markets. These claims, however, have not been officially verified by the authorities.'Pran & Paryavaran': Yoga Day Celebration Blends Wellness, Mangrove Conservation In Navi Mumbai Investigators are expected to examine whether contaminated or expired ingredients played any role in the present outbreak.Mhatre said he would write to FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, requesting a detailed inspection of food establishments and wholesale markets in Bhiwandi to ensure strict enforcement of food safety norms and prevent similar incidents in the future.Meanwhile, police investigations and laboratory analysis of the collected food samples are underway. Authorities are awaiting the forensic and FDA reports to determine the exact cause of the suspected mass food poisoning before fixing criminal liability.The incident has not only raised serious questions over food hygiene standards in the city but has also exposed glaring gaps in Bhiwandi's emergency healthcare preparedness, with public hospitals struggling to cope even before the investigation into the source of contamination has concluded.To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/

15 hours ago