Medical student dies of suspected food poisoning

Rejitha Rajeev, who died of suspected food poisoning in the city on Saturday  

She had eaten biryani from a hotel at Kazhakuttam
An 18-year old-girl from Ulloor died in the city on Saturday of suspected food poisoning after she had chicken biryani from a hotel at Kazhakuttam.
According to the police, Rejitha Rajeev, who dined at the restaurant with her family on Friday night, had ordered biryani. Her family members ordered other dishes.
Rejitha, a second-year medical student in Puducherry, complained of discomfort at 11.30 a.m. on Saturday and was taken to a private hospital in Ulloor.
When her situation worsened, she was shifted to the medical college hospital, where she died around 1.30 p.m.
Complaint filed
Her parents, who are doctors, alleged that the girl had shown discomfort and signs of food poisoning after the family had dined at the Halais Dum Biriyani in Kazhakuttam.
They have registered a complaint with the police against the hotel.
Medical College Circle Inspector S. Nazurudeen said the case could be confirmed only after examining results of medical tests. “If it was a case of food poisoning, the girl should have shown discomfort at least four hours after the food was consumed. But she showed no such signs until Saturday morning. We are not sure it was case of food poisoning. We will wait for the medical reports,” said Mr. Nazurudeen.
The police inspected the hotel and collected feedback from customers who were at the hotel on Friday.
District Food Safety Officer D. Sivakumar told The Hindu that following the police complaint, an inspection was conducted at the hotel and its licence had been suspended till the investigation was completed.
“We did not find the hotel unhygienic. However, we have collected samples of raw materials used for making the chicken biryani at the hotel. The hotel has been following all rules till now,” he said.
In Balaramapuram
Twelve persons fell ill at the Sree Ramakrishna School near Balaramapuram on Saturday after consuming food ordered from an eatery here.
The food was brought from Arafa Hotel for a Parent Teacher Association (PTA) function that was organised at the school.
Three children and eight teachers complained of stomach cramps and vomiting. According to an official at the Balaramapuram Primary Health Centre, a teacher was administered IV drip and released from the PHC in the evening.
The hotel was closed pending notice from food safety officials. The owner was brought to the Balaramapuram police station.