15-year-old girl dies after eating noodles in Tiruchy

CHENNAI: A 15-year-old girl died after consuming noodles and drinking a cold drink in Tiruchy on Monday. As the initial suspicion was that the death happened due to the consumption of noodles that was ordered through an online platform, officials said they were investigating the matter in detail.

The noodles called Chinese Buldak was ordered online on Amazon, said officials, adding that the reports said the girl ate the noodles and then drank a soft drink on Monday. The cause of death is uncertain as of now and is being investigated, said the authorities.

Meanwhile, the Food Safety Department has undertaken inspections at retail and wholesale stores that sell this variety of noodles that is very spicy.

Speaking to the media in Tiruchy on Tuesday, Health Minister Ma Subramanian said the Food Safety officials are searching traders across the district in this regard, and have already seized 800 kg of the same brand of noodles that are past their expiry date. The officials have taken samples, which would be sent for a detailed analysis.

“Though the deceased girl ordered the noodles online, the officials are conducting searches at wholesale firms. The officials have been instructed to go ahead with periodical inspections to prevent such incidents,” said Minister Subramanian.

Officials added that the Food Safety Department has ordered an inspection of noodle warehouses across Tamil Nadu, and added that action would be taken the traders who stock expired noodles, including sealing the warehouse or shop if expired noodles are sold.