Food Poisoning Incidents In Kerala: High Court Directs State Health Secretary To File Action Taken Report

The Kerala High Court on Wednesday directed the Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Department, to file a detailed report regarding numerous food poisoning incidents that occurred in the State recently and the steps taken against perpetrators. 

At least 68 people were admitted to various hospitals on Tuesday after having food from an eatery in North Paravur at Ernakulam, mainstream media reported. The Division Bench comprising Chief Justice S. Manikumar and Justice Shaji P. Chaly has taken judicial notice of the mishap.

The bench was hearing a suo moto case that was initiated based on news reports dated May 2, 2022, which brought to light the food poisoning incident in Kasargod after a 16-year-old girl died and over 50 people were hospitalised, as a possible aftermath of consuming shawarma. The case had been disposed of on 27 June 2022. However, in light of several such food poisoning incidents happening in the State again recently, the petition was revived.

"Though a report along with memo dated 20/09/2022 is filed, taking judicial notice of certain similar events, which occurred in the recent past, we direct the Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Department respondent No.1 to file a detailed report setting out the occurrences, steps taken against the perpetrators etc.," the order stated.

The case has been posted for further consideration after 2 weeks. 

Case Title: In Re: Suo Motu Proceedings Initiated Pursuant to Newspaper Reports dated 02.05.2022 on Food Poisoning

Click Here To Read/Download The Order