11 Hospitalised After Dead Lizard Allegedly Found In Birthday Cake In Maharashtra

Eleven people, including seven children, were hospitalized after falling ill soon after eating a birthday cake that allegedly contained a dead lizard in Maharashtra’s Palghar district, police said on Sunday.

The incident took place on Saturday evening at a building in the Takipada area of Nalasopara East, where residents had gathered to celebrate the birthday of a 25-year-old woman. The cake was reportedly bought from Chamunda Bakery, a shop near the building.

Soon after eating the cake, seven children and four women complained of chest burning, severe stomach pain and vomiting. Panic spread among the guests after a dead lizard was allegedly noticed on a serving plate, police said.

The affected people were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. Most of them were reported to be stable, while three children were admitted to the ICU for close monitoring, according to a doctor.

“The children claimed that they found a dead lizard inside the cake. The exact cause of food poisoning is yet to be ascertained,” a police officer said.

Police visited the hospital and collected samples of the cake, which have been sent for testing. Officials are yet to establish whether the cake was responsible for the illness or whether the alleged presence of the lizard was linked to the symptoms.

The incident has prompted a food safety investigation into the bakery. Local authorities and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) inspected the outlet after being alerted about the incident. Reports also said action was taken against the bakery, with its food licence reportedly suspended following the inspection.

The case has raised fresh concerns over hygiene and food safety standards at bakeries, particularly over the preparation, storage and handling of products meant for public consumption.