Shawarma Tragedy: Mumbai 19 Year Boy's Death Linked To Consumption

In Short

Teen Passes Away Days After Eating Shawarma; Authorities Arrest 2

19 Year old dies after eating 'Chicken Shawarma' — 19 Year old dies after eating ‘Chicken Shawarma’

Following the tragic death of a 19-year-old linked to shawarma consumption, authorities took swift action by arresting the vendors involved. Samples from the food have been sent for testing as part of the investigation. The victim, Bhokse, underwent hospital treatment after consuming the shawarma, ultimately leading to the arrests under IPC section 304.

Two illegal food vendors were apprehended by the police. Alongside, both police and BMC officials took action against other illegal food vendors in the area. The arrested individuals, Anand Kamble and Ahmed Shaikh, were connected to a case involving death due to food poisoning. They have since been placed in police custody pending further investigation.

The shawarma stall’s ingredient samples have been sent to the FDA and forensic science lab for analysis, aiming to pinpoint the poisoning’s cause. Authorities suspect that illegal vendors may be using unhygienic meat, including dead chicken, and unsanitary conditions, leading to bacterial growth and contamination.

According to police sources, Prathamesh Bhokse, 19, along with his uncle Hameed Abbas Syed, 40, residents of Maharashtra Nagar, consumed shawarma from a local food stall on May 3. Subsequently, Bhokse experienced stomach pain and vomiting. His family sought medical assistance at a municipal hospital, but his condition did not improve until late afternoon on May 5, prompting them to take him to KEM Hospital. Despite receiving treatment and being discharged, his health worsened on Sunday, leading to readmission at KEM Hospital, where he passed away on Monday, as reported by senior inspector Rajesh Shinde.

Tips for Safeguarding Against Food Poisoning

A young boy tragically lost his life due to food poisoning after consuming a roadside chicken shawarma in Mumbai. Despite being taken to multiple hospitals for treatment, doctors were unable to save him from the severe infection. Discover essential tips for safeguarding against food poisoning.

A 19-year-old man passed away after consuming chicken shawarma purchased from a roadside stall in Mumbai, as confirmed by officials. Following this, Prathamesh Bhokse experienced severe stomach pain and vomiting, prompting him to seek treatment at a nearby hospital. However, Bhokse’s family stated that his condition did not improve, leading to another hospital visit for food poisoning treatment. Despite medical attention, he continued to experience vomiting and stomach issues, necessitating a third rush to a government hospital in Trombay, where he tragically passed away.

Understanding Food Poisoning

Did your enjoyable meal transform into an unpleasant experience? It could be due to food poisoning! This occurs when microscopic adversaries such as bacteria, viruses, or parasites infiltrate your food. These unwelcome intruders and the toxins they release can irritate your digestive system, resulting in symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. Fortunately, most individuals recover within a few days. However, food poisoning can lead to dehydration, particularly concerning for young children. To steer clear of this culinary challenge, prioritize safe food handling practices!

While most cases of food poisoning resolve within a day or two, dehydration from severe illness can be life-threatening. Worldwide, unsafe food is estimated to cause a staggering 600 million illnesses and 420,000 deaths annually. Tragically, over 30 percent of these deaths occur in young children under five.

Unraveling the Toxicity of Shawarma

Mumbai’s 19-Year-Old Tragedy Not an Isolated Incident.

In April 2022, over 52 individuals fell ill and one lost their life after consuming shawarma from an eatery in Cheruvathur, Kerala. Additionally, a 16-year-old girl named Devananda succumbed to food poisoning after eating the dish.
In September of the previous year, a 14-year-old girl who ate chicken shawarma at a restaurant in Namakkal, Tamil Nadu, was found dead at home. Furthermore, 43 people, including four from the victim’s family, were hospitalized with severe symptoms like fever, vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea after consuming the same dish.
In October 2023, a young person from Kochi passed away due to suspected food poisoning after eating shawarma from a restaurant in Mavelipuram, Kerala. The post-mortem report attributed the 22-year-old’s death to septicaemia, a severe bloodstream infection.

Connecting Shawarma to Fatalities: Understanding the Link

Experts note that the issue with shawarma-related food poisoning lies not in the dish itself but in how its ingredients, especially the chicken, are handled, prepared, and stored. Food poisoning can result from shawarma consumption due to factors like undercooked meat or improper refrigeration.

The meat used in shawarma is slow-roasted for hours over a flame that doesn’t fully penetrate the meat. This can lead to instances of undercooked meat, particularly during busy periods.

Dr. Shuchin Bajaj, a general physician at Ujala Cygnus Group of Hospitals, highlighted that food poisoning from shawarma can stem from various factors such as inadequate refrigeration, cross-contamination, or the use of undercooked meat that may harbor harmful bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli.

Improper refrigeration and unhygienic storage conditions can foster the growth of harmful bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli, which can result in severe health issues, including food poisoning, as reported by The Times of India.

Additionally, poor hygiene practices, contaminated utensils, use of improper ingredients or sauces, and leaving meat out of the fridge for extended periods can all contribute to serious health risks.

Tips for Safe Shawarma Consumption

1. Opt for reputable and hygienic food establishments known for their good food safety track record.
2. Take note of the cleanliness standards maintained by the restaurant and its staff.
3. Exercise caution, particularly with raw or undercooked meat.