18 suffer 'food poisoning'

Chennai, May 6 (UNI) In a suspected case of food poisoning, 18 people, including seven women and six children, were hospitalised after they consumed 'payasam' (sweet dish) at Mattangkuppam Slum in the city today.

Police said the 'payasam' was collected from a marriage hall last night. An elderly woman allegedly warmed it again and served to some of people this morning. After consuming it, they swooned and started vomiting.

While 11 people were admitted to Government Royapettah Hospital, seven were shifted to Kasturba Gandhi Maternity Hospital. Their condition is stated to be satisfactory.

Police are searching for the woman.

UNI