MUMBAI: At least 59 people were hospitalised after falling sick from eating contaminated street food sold at a roadside stall in the city of Bhiwandi in India’s Maharashtra state, local media reported on Friday.
According to reports, the affected individuals consumed food from a street vendor the previous day before developing symptoms of food poisoning, including severe stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhoea.
The victims were rushed to Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital, where doctors provided emergency treatment. Hospital officials later confirmed that all patients were in stable condition and out of danger after initial medical care.
Local authorities said the incident is being investigated to determine the source of contamination and whether hygiene violations were involved at the food stall.
Residents in the area expressed concern over the repeated occurrence of food safety incidents linked to street vendors, calling for stricter regulation and regular inspections to prevent such outbreaks.
Indian media also reported that similar food poisoning cases have recently been recorded in different parts of the country, raising broader concerns about food safety standards in informal food markets.
Earlier this month, around 15 children were also hospitalised in Telangana after consuming “pani puri,” a popular street snack, highlighting the recurring nature of such incidents.
Health experts say street food contamination is often linked to unsafe water, poor storage conditions, and lack of hygiene among vendors, particularly during hot weather when food spoils quickly.
Authorities have urged citizens to exercise caution when eating from roadside stalls and have advised vendors to follow proper hygiene protocols to avoid further cases.