THIRUVANTHAPURAM: At least 15 people sought medical attention following suspected food poisoning after consuming buffet food at Hotel Windsor Rajadhani in Kowdiar.
Food safety authorities said samples have been collected from the hotel and sent for laboratory examination. Hotel officials maintained that no similar incidents had been reported previously and said they are conducting an internal review.
“The kitchen and other facilities appear to be adhering to prescribed standards. As both vegetarian and non-vegetarian diners have fallen ill, we are yet to identify the specific item that may have caused the issue,” food safety officials said. However, leftover food samples could not be collected as the complaint was lodged two days after the event. Raw material samples have since been taken, and statements from three affected individuals have been recorded.
The incident occurred on February 26, when more than 50 people attended a private function at the hotel. Several attendees developed symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting and weakness on 27 and 28 February. Complaints were formally received by food safety authorities on Sunday.
No serious or life-threatening cases have been reported, and none of the affected individuals required hospitalisation.
Hotel representatives said they are consulting staff to identify and rectify any possible lapses. “There were other events and a common buffet on the same day, and no such issues have been reported so far. We also have no prior history of similar complaints,” the hotel manager said.