Key Update

Three more individuals who consumed seafood at a hotel in Vizhinjam sought medical care at a private hospital on Wednesday, a day after two Kollam residents who dined at the same outlet died. The new patients — aged 52, 39 and 28 and residing in Thiruvananthapuram — reported mild symptoms. Doctors admitted them for observation and confirmed that they remain stable. Authorities have withheld their identities.

Hotel Sealed, Samples Under Examination

Authorities sealed the hotel immediately after Tuesday’s incident and launched a detailed investigation. Officials collected food samples from the premises and sent them for laboratory analysis. They expect the results in the coming days. Investigators are also awaiting the pathology reports of the deceased to determine the exact cause of death. Until then, officials have refrained from concluding.

Mussel Samples Sent for Toxin Testing

Kovalam Food Safety Officer Priya Wilfred confirmed that inspectors collected mussel samples from the hotel. They will send the samples to the Food Safety Department laboratory in Thiruvananthapuram and the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT) in Kochi for detailed analysis, including testing for marine toxins.

Wider Inspections in the Area

As a precautionary measure, inspection teams examined 21 hotels in the Mukkola area and issued notices outlining mandatory hygiene practices. Officials stated that they will conduct follow-up inspections to ensure strict compliance with food safety standards.

While early reports pointed to suspected food poisoning, preliminary assessments have also raised the possibility of allergic reactions. Officials emphasised that no definitive cause has been established so far. Authorities continue to review all evidence as part of the ongoing probe. Meanwhile, several other customers who dined at the hotel on the same day have not reported any symptoms.

Source: The Times of India