Nearly 50 people who dined at a restaurant in the city last week have reportedly been diagnosed with food poisoning. Several of them remain admitted to hospitals across Kochi. The incident has prompted food safety officials to shut down Al-Reem, an Arabic restaurant on Thammanam–Pulleppady Road, and suspend its licence.
According to officials, the incident occurred on July 10, but complaints began surfacing only on Monday. Many of those who dined at the restaurant reported experiencing discomfort the day after consuming the food, with symptoms including fever, vomiting, and dysentery. Samples collected from the restaurant have been sent to the laboratory for examination.
The Food Safety department expects more complaints in the coming days and has recorded statements from those affected, including those still under treatment in hospitals. The restaurant, which serves dishes such as Kuzhi Manthi and alfam, remains closed.
