Mumbai: At least 59 people fell ill and were hospitalized after reportedly consuming contaminated food from a roadside food stall in India’s western state of Maharashtra, according to local media reports.
The incident occurred in Bhiwandi city, where dozens of residents reportedly developed symptoms of food poisoning after eating food purchased from a street vendor.
According to Indian media, the affected individuals began experiencing severe health problems, including stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea, prompting authorities to rush them to nearby medical facilities for treatment.
Many of the patients were admitted to Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital, where doctors and medical staff provided emergency care. Hospital officials said that all patients responded well to treatment and are now reported to be out of danger.
Health authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the suspected food poisoning and to identify whether improper food handling, contaminated ingredients, or poor hygiene practices were responsible for the outbreak.
Officials are also expected to inspect the food stall and collect samples for laboratory testing to establish the source of contamination.
The incident has once again raised concerns about food safety standards and hygiene practices among street food vendors, a sector that serves millions of people across India every day.
According to media reports, several cases of food poisoning have been recorded in different parts of the country in recent weeks, highlighting the need for stricter monitoring and enforcement of food safety regulations.
Earlier this month, on June 17, around 15 children in Telangana were reportedly hospitalized after consuming pani puri, a popular street food snack. Health officials suspected food contamination in that case as well.
Food safety experts warn that improper storage of ingredients, contaminated water, inadequate cooking practices, and poor sanitation can significantly increase the risk of foodborne illnesses.
Symptoms of food poisoning typically include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, and dehydration. In severe cases, particularly among children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems, foodborne illnesses can become life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Public health authorities have urged citizens to exercise caution when purchasing food from roadside vendors and to ensure that food is prepared and served under hygienic conditions.
Local officials in Maharashtra said that inspections of street food outlets may be intensified following the incident to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The latest case serves as a reminder of the importance of food safety and regular health inspections, particularly in densely populated urban areas where street food is widely consumed.
Authorities continue to monitor the condition of the affected individuals while investigations into the source of the contamination remain underway.
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