Report

At least 20 people, mostly young adults, landed in hospitals across Thiruvananthapuram after eating shawarma from Istanbul Grills and Rolls in Manacaud. By early Saturday morning, multiple individuals reported symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, and fever after consuming the food on Friday evening. Hospitals, including KIMS, PRS, SP Fort, and Al Arif, treated the affected individuals, all of whom are now reported to be in stable condition. Health officials responded promptly after receiving the first alerts on Saturday.

Food Safety Team Raids Restaurant, Finds Poor Hygiene

“We conducted an immediate inspection after the complaints came in,” said Magfirath A V, Food Safety Officer for the Thiruvananthapuram circle. “We found unhygienic kitchen conditions and improper food storage practices. The restaurant was shut down on the spot.” Officials collected shawarma samples, along with sauces and other ingredients, and sent them to a food testing lab. Authorities are now awaiting test results to confirm the exact cause of contamination.

Suspected Bacterial Contamination from Mishandled Ingredients

“Shawarma requires strict temperature control and safe handling,” said another food safety official. “Even small lapses can trigger foodborne illnesses.” Investigators suspect that either spoiled meat or mishandled ingredients may have caused bacterial growth.

Police Alerted; Action Pending Lab Results

Fort Police have been notified and may register a case depending on lab findings or official complaints. The food safety department has also alerted senior officials and launched a full inquiry. Istanbul Grills and Rolls, a well-known franchise with outlets and food trucks in Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode, will remain shut until further notice. This case adds to a growing list of food poisoning incidents linked to fast food joints across the state.

Source: The New Indian Express