15 people fall sick after consuming shawarma at Grill House in Hyderabad
Grill House Shawarma Scare: 15 Fall Ill in Hyderabad, Owner Arrested as Salmonella Suspected
Team IFT
Hyderabad: A popular shawarma outlet in Hyderabad's Alwal area landed in hot water after 15 customers fell sick allegedly after consuming its shawarma. The incident, which occurred last Friday evening, has prompted authorities to arrest the owner and shut down the eatery.
Grill House, located near Lothkunta bus stop, witnessed a flurry of sickness among its patrons, with complaints of fever, nausea, and diarrhea surfacing the next day. As the number of affected individuals mounted to 15, reports reached the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) Food Safety Department.
Taking swift action, Food Safety Officer B. Laxmikanth initiated an investigation and lodged a complaint with the Alwal police against Grill House owner Taufiq Shareef. Cases were booked under sections 273 and 269 of the Indian Penal Code, and Shareef was subsequently arrested on Thursday.
While preliminary examination of one patient revealed a Salmonella infection, further confirmation awaits blood tests being conducted on other affected individuals admitted in both a private hospital and the Cantonment General Hospital in Bolarum.
"We initially received information about four patients in a private hospital. Later, we learned about 11 more admitted at the Cantonment General Hospital. Blood tests conducted on one patient in the private hospital revealed a Salmonella infection. We have requested mandatory blood tests for all patients at the General Hospital for corroborative evidence. Reports are expected within 72 hours," stated Mr. Lakshmikant.
The Grill House owner's disappearance amidst the crisis raised further concerns about sanitation and hygiene practices at the eatery. GHMC officials have sealed the premises and are conducting a thorough inspection.
This incident highlights the importance of food safety and hygiene standards in eateries. Consumers are advised to exercise caution while choosing food outlets and report any suspicious practices to the authorities.
