Woman Dies After Eating Momos, 50 Hospitalized

A food poisoning incident has sent shockwaves through the city, with one woman dead and about 50 others seriously ill after consuming street food.

All the sick individuals are currently receiving treatment at various hospitals.

The tragedy occurred in the Nandinagar area of Banjara Hills, at a weekly market set up. Multiple vendors selling momos there reportedly served several customers, who later fell seriously ill, experiencing severe vomiting and diarrhea after returning home. Most of them were taken by their family members to local hospitals for treatment.

The dead person was identified as Reshma, 29. Her family rushed her to NIMS in Panjagutta as soon as she started complaining, but her condition worsened, and she succumbed to her illness while undergoing treatment. She leaves behind three children.

Several residents filed complaints at the Banjara Hills police station, demanding action against those responsible for the incident. The police registered cases based on the complaints and launched an investigation to determine if sub-standard or contaminated ingredients were used in preparing the momos. The food safety officials of the GHMC with the help of the police traced the root of the incident to a vendor operating from H No 10-1-579/12, Chintal Basti, Khairatabad, in the name of WOW Hot Momos / Delhi Hot Momos, who reportedly supplied the momos to the street food vendors.

The officials found that the establishment was being operating without an FSSAI license and that the food was being prepared in unhygienic conditions. They lifted samples of the food items found in the location and sent them to the State food laboratory for analysis, and orders were also issued to the vendor stop the operations.

Further, the food safety officials of the GHMC have addressed a letter to the SHO, Banjara Hills, to conduct an inquiry into the matter and take necessary action against the accused.