food poisoning case in Tenkasi 2025 Palayamkottai.com

A serious food safety incident has emerged in Pavoorchatram, Tenkasi, where 13 individuals from two families suffered from acute gastroenteritis (AGE) after consuming bucket biryani from a local restaurant. The victims, who belong to families from Kattalaiyoor near Kadayam and Gurusamypuram, were admitted to both government and private hospitals for treatment.

The food safety department took swift action, suspending the restaurant's licence on Monday. The affected individuals began experiencing symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea shortly after consuming the biryani at their homes. While some were admitted as inpatients, many received outpatient treatment and have since been discharged.

According to Dr. Pushparaj, the Designated Officer of the Tirunelveli Food Safety Department, food samples have been collected for analysis. He confirmed that all 13 patients suffered from AGE linked to the food consumed from the restaurant.

Further actions have been recommended, including:

• Thorough cleaning and maintenance of the restaurant premises

• Mandatory medical screening for staff members

• A detailed review of the kitchen’s hygiene and food handling practices

Preliminary reports indicate that the restaurant sold around 65 buckets of biryani on Saturday, 120 on Sunday, and 30 on Monday, raising concerns about a potentially wider public health issue.

🔍 Why Food Safety Matters More Than Ever

This incident serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining strict hygiene practices in commercial kitchens, especially in high-demand dishes like bucket biryani. Regular staff check-ups, proper storage, and food handling protocols are non-negotiable in ensuring the health of consumers.