11 suffer food poisoning after consuming cake at Nala Sopara birthday party: Cop
11 Suffer Food Poisoning After Nala Sopara Birthday Cake
Bharatmorningnews.com – Eleven people — seven children and four women — reported classic food poisoning symptoms within minutes of eating a birthday cake at a private gathering in Nala Sopara, Mumbai’s eastern suburbs. Local police confirmed that 11 suffer food poisoning after the Saturday evening celebration, and three of the affected children were admitted to the Intensive Care Unit at a municipal hospital for close monitoring. The incident has prompted a formal investigation by Tulinj police and a parallel review by the Food and Drug Administration department.
The Birthday Celebration That Turned Sour
A 25-year-old resident of Neelkantheshwar building in the Takipada area of Nala Sopara (East) was celebrating her birthday on Saturday evening. Around 6 p.m., a group of neighbourhood children arrived carrying a cake intended for the gathering. According to police, the young guests began experiencing a sharp burning sensation across their chests shortly after taking bites from the cake, followed by episodes of vomiting.
The children were rushed to Vijayalakshmi Hospital in the vicinity. While being treated, they told officers that they had spotted a dead lizard lodged inside the cake before eating it. Police recorded these statements and secured the remaining slices for forensic examination.
Police Response and Ongoing Investigation
Tulinj police station responded to Vijayalakshmi Hospital shortly after the first patients arrived. Officers collected samples of the uneaten cake, noted the names and addresses of all affected individuals, and filed a formal complaint. Laboratory analysis of the cake samples is expected to confirm whether contamination came from the lizard, from improper storage, or from another source.
Ajeev Patil, mayor of the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation, addressed reporters after learning of the incident:
“We are investigating the case and have also alerted the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) department to conduct a survey of the bakery from where the cake was purchased.”
The FDA inspection will examine hygiene practices, ingredient sourcing, and storage conditions at the implicated bakery. Results of both the police lab tests and the FDA survey are expected to determine whether additional charges or regulatory penalties follow.
Patient Condition and Hospital Care
Dr Vidya Sawant, speaking on behalf of the hospital’s medical team, confirmed that all eleven affected individuals are receiving appropriate treatment. She stated that their conditions are presently stable and that no further admissions were anticipated as of the evening update. The three children in ICU remain under observation for possible dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What symptoms should prompt a hospital visit after eating at a party or celebration?
Seek medical attention if you or a child experiences persistent vomiting, high fever above 102 °F, blood in vomit or stool, signs of dehydration (dry mouth, reduced urination, dizziness), or symptoms lasting more than 48 hours. Young children, elderly adults, and immunocompromised individuals should be seen promptly even for milder presentations.
How long does typical food poisoning last, and when is it dangerous?
Mild bacterial gastroenteritis often resolves within one to three days with oral rehydration. However, contamination by foreign objects (as in this Nala Sopara case), parasitic agents, or toxin-producing bacteria can extend illness beyond a week and may require hospitalisation. Any episode accompanied by severe abdominal pain, neurological symptoms, or inability to retain fluids warrants immediate emergency care.
What practical steps can hosts take to prevent cake-related illness at home celebrations?
Purchase cakes from licensed bakeries that display valid FSSAI registration numbers. Inspect the cake visually before serving — check for foreign objects, unusual odours, or signs of spoilage. Keep cakes refrigerated until the moment of cutting, use clean utensils, and serve within two hours of opening the packaging. For children’s parties, consider simple homemade options where ingredient sourcing is fully controlled.