At least 26 workers, including seven women, of Avanti Frozen Foods Private Limited unit, were admitted to the hospital with various symptoms, reportedly due to food poisoning at Peddanapalli village in Kakinada district. The workers reported illness, including vomiting, since Saturday. Nearly one thousand workers are working in the shrimp processing unit.
Kakinada District Medical and Health Officer Narasimha Naik told The Hindu, “At least 26 workers had taken ill after they had lunch in the mess in the unit on April 12. Food poisoning is suspected to be the apparent cause. By Monday, eight more patients are being treated in a private hospital in Jaggampeta.”
Dr. Narasimha Naik added that a joint inspection of the mess and shrimp processing unit has been completed, and the investigation is on to identify the exact reasons for the illness. The Food Safety authorities are also investigating the incident.
In an official release, Minister for Labour, Factories and Boilers Vasamsetti Subhash ordered officials to conduct a detailed probe into the incident. “We are monitoring the medical treatment of the workers. The inquiry into the incident is in progress”, said Mr. Subhash.
Published – April 14, 2025 07:25 pm IST