Food Manifest 
Key Update
Three people who developed food poisoning after eating mandi at Al-Reem Kuzhimandhi restaurant in Kochi have tested positive for Shigella, prompting health authorities to step up surveillance and expand the investigation. Around 15 people sought medical treatment after eating at the restaurant on July 13. They developed symptoms, including diarrhoea and abdominal pain, within two days. Following the incident, authorities ordered the restaurant to close on July 15.
Health Department Traces Cases
District Medical Officer (DMO) Dr R. Shahirsha said health officials traced several cases of diarrhoea reported last week to food consumed at the restaurant. Of the 15 patient samples tested, three returned positive for Shigella. The confirmed cases were reported among residents of Ponnurunni, Malayidamthuruth, and Nettoor.
The Food Safety Department collected food and water samples from the restaurant and sent them for laboratory analysis. While laboratory tests confirmed Shigella infection in three patients, officials are still awaiting the results of the food and environmental samples to identify the exact source of contamination.
Dr Shahirsha said the three patients who tested positive have been discharged from the hospital. He reassured the public that shigellosis is generally not fatal and urged people to follow safe food handling and hygiene practices to reduce the risk of infection.
Investigators Examine Mayonnaise
Health officials suspect the mayonnaise served with the mandi may have contributed to the outbreak. According to the Health Department’s preliminary assessment, none of the people who skipped the mayonnaise has reported illness. Investigators are examining whether improper preparation, handling, or storage of the mayonnaise or other ready-to-eat foods led to the contamination. Officials emphasised that laboratory analysis of the collected samples will determine the exact cause.
Some Patients Continue to Recover
Although most affected individuals developed mild illness and have since been discharged, some continue to experience fatigue, weakness, and gastrointestinal discomfort more than a week after consuming the food. Several patients reported that their symptoms initially improved after treatment before severe abdominal pain and diarrhoea returned two days later.
One affected customer, Nice Johny, told the media that he and several members of his family also fell ill after eating mandi from the restaurant.
Investigation Remains Ongoing
The Food Safety Department has intensified its investigation, while police have also registered a First Information Report (FIR) against the restaurant following a complaint from an affected customer. Authorities have sent patient blood samples for further testing and continue to await laboratory results from the food and water samples collected during the inspection.
Officials said the investigation will determine the source of the contamination and establish whether lapses in food handling practices contributed to the outbreak.
Kerala Reports Rising Shigella Cases
According to the Health Department, Kerala has recorded 79 confirmed and 12 suspected Shigella cases in July. One death has been reported during the month, taking the total number of Shigella-related deaths in the state this year to eight.
Source: Mathrubhumi
