Pizza-Linked Food Poisoning Outbreak Hospitalises 88 in Maharashtra's Bhiwandi

A suspected case of food poisoning in Maharashtra's Bhiwandi town has triggered health and safety concerns after 88 people, including women and children, were hospitalised following the consumption of shawarma and pizza from a local fast-food outlet. While all affected individuals are reported to be stable and out of danger, authorities have launched a detailed investigation into the incident and ordered laboratory testing of food samples.

The incident first came to light on Thursday when patients began arriving at a government hospital with complaints of stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, giddiness and loose motions . Initial reports indicated that 34 people , many of them children, had fallen ill after consuming a shawarma pizza from the same eatery on Wednesday night.

However, as more residents reported similar symptoms, the number of affected persons rose sharply to 88 , including 33 women and 14 children . Health officials said the victims had consumed food from the outlet located on Khandu Pada Road in Bhiwandi before developing symptoms within hours.

The affected individuals were admitted to medical facilities, including Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital , where doctors provided treatment for dehydration and gastrointestinal complications. Officials confirmed that all patients are stable and recovering , with no fatalities or critical cases reported so far. Medical teams continue to monitor the patients as a precautionary measure.

Authorities said the outlet involved is a local fast-food establishment serving shawarma and pizza and is not known to be associated with any major branded pizza chain. Following the incident, police registered a case against the owner under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and initiated legal proceedings.

As part of the investigation, officials collected samples of the suspected food items and sent them for laboratory analysis. The inquiry will examine whether the outbreak was caused by contaminated ingredients, poor hygiene practices, improper storage of food, or violations of food safety regulations. Reports suggest that the outlet has been sealed pending the outcome of the investigation.

The incident has once again drawn attention to food safety standards at local eateries. Health experts note that food poisoning can occur when food becomes contaminated by bacteria, viruses or toxins, often due to inadequate refrigeration or unhygienic handling. Children, elderly people and individuals with weakened immunity are particularly vulnerable to severe complications.

Authorities are awaiting laboratory test results, which are expected to determine the exact cause of the outbreak and guide further action against those found responsible.