Mangaluru: As many as 137 people fell ill after drinking tender coconut water from an ice cream factory located in the Adyar area of the city. Locals who drank the tender coconut sold by the factory unit complained of diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain.

Officials said that, so far, 137 people who consumed the tender coconut fell ill, as many as 84 were treated as outpatients and 53 as inpatients, with 23 people already discharged. Those undergoing treatment at the hospital are reported to be in stable condition, said officials from the Health and Family Welfare Department.

The officials have sent samples of the coconut water for testing. After an elaborate discussion, the officials from the health department, food safety department, and surveillance officers inspected the factory and subsequently closed the unit, advising against selling coconut water and other food items temporarily, pending further orders.

The officials visited Father Muller Hospital, Peralay Hospital, Taluka Hospital in Bantwala, Highland Hospital in Falnir, Unity Hospital, Pushparaj Hospital in Kalladka, and other hospitals where patients are undergoing treatment.

Residents of Adyar, Thumbe, and Kannur fell ill after consuming the coconut water brought from this unit on April 8; some sought treatment at local clinics in their vicinity.

Health Concerns Arise After Consumption of Tender Coconut Water