Hyderabad news: A food poisoning scare in Banjara Hills has led to the hospitalisation of nine individuals who fell ill after consuming momos from a street food cart. Those affected reported severe stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea after consuming the snack following their visit to the roadside vendor on Friday. Complaints were formally lodged with the police on Monday sparking an investigation into the incident.
According to authorities, the street food cart, operating under a popular name was traced to Chintal Basti in Khairatabad, as reported by The Hindu. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the vendor was operating without a mandatory Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) license and was maintaining highly unhygienic conditions. Officials from the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), alongside the police, have halted operations at the cart pending further action.
The Banjara Hills Police registered a case against the cart owner after receiving the complaint from the affected individuals. The GHMC Food Safety Officer, who was part of the joint investigation, confirmed that immediate steps were taken to shut down the stall.
While conflicting reports have emerged about a potential fatality linked to the food poisoning, the police are yet to confirm any deaths. A woman reportedly died after she fell ill eating the snack prepared by the same vendor but sold at different places under the Banjara Hills police station limits last week.
Following this, the authorities have instructed citizens to be vigilant about food safety and to report unlicensed and unhygienic vendors to avoid such incidents.
The GHMC has also addressed a letter to the Banjara Hills police requesting an in-depth inquiry into the matter. Further action, including penalties or criminal proceedings, is expected against the vendor for endangering public health.
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