Kerala: Student dies of food poisoning, 18 fall sick after consuming shawarma in Kasaragod

Kasaragod: A 17-year-old schoolgirl has died and 18 others have fallen sick due to suspected food poisoning after consuming "rotten shawarma" at a food stall in Cheruvathur town of Kasaragod district in Kerala, as per news agency ANI report.

"A team of doctors including a paediatrician examined Devananda (deceased) but could not save her life. Rest a total of 18 students are admitted in the hospital and all of them are in stable condition," said Kasargod Medical Officer on Sunday.

The Kerala Health minister Veena George has directed an investigation into the incident and has sought a report from the authorities. Meanwhile, the shop where students consumed shawarma has been sealed and the cook has been taken into custody by police.

"The shop has been closed and the cook has been taken into custody. Food poisoning may be the primary reason for this. Health Department is monitoring the situation. A special team has also been constituted to investigate the matter," said M Rajagopalan, MLA Trikaripur. The MLA further informed that the samples of the shawarma have also been sent for testing.