Nalasopara: What was supposed to be a happy birthday celebration ended on a frightening note in Nalasopara after 11 people, including seven children and four women, fell ill after eating a cake in which a dead lizard was allegedly found.
The incident took place at Neelkanth Apartment in Laxmi Nagar, Nalasopara East, where a family was celebrating a birthday. The cake had reportedly been bought from a shop run by Chamunda Dairy, located opposite the residential building.
Soon after eating the cake, several people began complaining of health problems. Among those affected were seven children and four women. They were taken to Vijaylaxmi Hospital for treatment after developing symptoms including stomach and chest pain. Some reports have also mentioned nausea, vomiting and dizziness.
The alleged discovery of a dead lizard inside the cake added to the panic among those present at the celebration. According to reports, some children noticed the reptile while eating the cake.
The patients were admitted to the hospital and were reported to be stable. However, reports have differed on the severity of some cases. A report also stated that three of the 11 patients were in the ICU, while another report said four people were receiving intensive care.
Authorities are now looking into how the alleged contamination happened. Cake samples have reportedly been taken for testing, which could help determine whether the cake was contaminated and whether it was responsible for the illnesses.
Importantly, while the timing of the illnesses and the alleged discovery of the lizard have raised serious concerns, the exact medical cause of the patients symptoms has not yet been officially confirmed. Laboratory testing and the ongoing inquiry are expected to provide more clarity.
The incident has once again brought attention to food safety and hygiene at bakeries and food outlets. For families buying cakes and other ready to eat food, the episode is a reminder of how important proper food handling and storage are.
For the families involved, however, the immediate concern remains the health of those who fell sick. The 11 patients are receiving medical care, while authorities continue to investigate what went wrong.
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