Kannur: At least 14 children were admitted to hospital after allegedly consuming shawarma from a hotel in Pallikara, Puchakkad, Kannur district, on Monday night, 9 September 2025. The incident has sparked concerns over food safety in the region.
Children fall ill after eating shawarma
According to reports, the children bought shawarma from a local hotel and later complained of severe stomach pain, vomiting, and body aches. Their condition worsened within hours, prompting parents to rush them to a private hospital in Kanhangad the same night.
Doctors confirmed that all the children had symptoms consistent with food poisoning. While most are said to be stable, they remain under medical observation. Hospital authorities have also collected samples for further examination.
Health department steps in
The district health department has launched an inquiry into the incident. Food safety officials are inspecting the hotel where the shawarma was purchased and have collected food samples for laboratory testing. Depending on the results, strict action may be taken against the establishment.
Officials have also urged residents to exercise caution while purchasing ready-to-eat items and stressed the need for better hygiene in eateries, particularly those serving perishable meat-based foods like shawarma.
Rising concerns over food poisoning cases
Kerala has witnessed several cases of food poisoning linked to shawarma and similar street foods in recent years. Public health experts have pointed out issues such as improper refrigeration, unhygienic preparation methods, and lack of regular inspections as contributing factors.
Conclusion
The hospitalisation of 14 children in Kannur has once again highlighted the urgent need for stronger food safety enforcement in Kerala. Authorities are expected to take further measures once test results confirm the source of contamination.