Kerala food poisoning case: Salmonella, Shigella bacteria found in shawarma sample

Thiruvananthapuram: The presence of Salmonella and Shigella bacteria was found in the shawarma sample collected from Cheruvathur in Kasargod where a girl died due to food poisoning a few days ago.

This was confirmed by Food Safety Department which conducted the sample test, Kerala Health Minister Veena George said on Saturday evening.

"The presence of bacteria was found in the shawarma and pepper powder used at the outlet. These samples were certified as 'unsafe' under the Food Safety Act. Therefore, further steps are being taken," the Minister said.

"As part of the 'Good Food is the Right of the Nation' campaign, 349 inspections were conducted on Saturday. Action was taken against 32 shops which were not licensed or registered. Notices were issued to 119 institutions. 22 kg of unclean meat was seized and destroyed. Samples from 32 shops were sent for testing."

"From May 2, 2022, about 1132 inspections have been carried out across the state. Action was taken against 142 shops which were not licensed or registered. Notices were issued to 466 institutions. 162 kilogram of unclean meat was seized and destroyed. About 125 samples had been sent for testing."

So far 6035 kg of stale and chemically contaminated fish have been destroyed as part of Operation Fish. Out of 4010 tests during this period, 2014 samples were collected and sent for testing.

As part of Operation Jaggery, which was launched to detect adulteration in jaggery, 458 establishments were inspected. (UNI)