Seafood-lemonade combination behind two deaths in Kerala? More details regarding Vizhinjam hotel incident

The death of two members of a family in Nilamel due to suspected food poisoning from a hotel in Vizhinjam raised eyebrows and ignited discussion on social media. With the death currently being discussed, many concluded that the worst might have occurred due to consuming seafood and lemonade together. Rumours floated that the ingredients of the two cuisines, if mixed, can invite death. However, doctors and experts shrugged off this rumour.

Dr Shinu, a general medicine doctor at SUT Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram, told Kerala Kaumudi Online that consuming lemonade and seafood together does not cause food poisoning or death. He also said that the cause of death of two Nilamel natives could be food poisoning. The sudden manner of the death likely points to food poisoning. The doctor clarified that consuming seafood can cause allergies, but not instant death.

Escherichia coli and Shigella bacteria mainly cause food poisoning. The toxins produced by the bacteria are dangerous, and if mixed with food, they can quickly cause food poisoning. If the conditions are very unsanitary, bacteria of different hues enter the food. The cleanliness of the cooks is as important as the cleanliness of the kitchen and the dishes.

If the person preparing the food has a cut or wound on their body, the bacteria from it can get into the food and cause food poisoning. Undercooked meat and mayonnaise can also quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria. Food poisoning can lead to dehydration. Immediate medical attention can save lives.

The risk of danger may increase or decrease depending on age and health condition. That is why just two people died, even though six from the same family had food from the hotel in Vizhinjam. In many hotels, the dishes are put in a large bucket filled with water in order to clean them. This invites bacteria into the dishes. Do not use the raw water provided by hotels. It is better to carry boiled water from home if possible.