Bonda Factory In Mangaluru Sealed As Contaminated Tender Coconut Water Sickens Over 130 People

Over 137 people have fallen ill after consuming tender coconut water from a factory called "Bonda Factory" in Adyar, on the outskirts of Mangaluru. The cause is suspected to be contaminated water.

Following reports of widespread vomiting and diarrhea, the Dakshina Kannada District Health Officer, Dr. Thimmaiah, ordered the immediate closure of Bonda Factory, which sells tender coconut water and natural ice cream.

A team of health and food safety officials visited the factory on Thursday and issued a stop-work notice, prohibiting the sale of tender coconut water and other food items until further investigation. The tender coconut water, priced at Rs 40 per liter, is believed to be the source of the illness.

While most patients received treatment from local doctors, three individuals required hospitalisation at Highland Hospital. The remaining 134 patients are undergoing treatment at various hospitals including Fr Muller Hospital, Perlaya Hospital, Bantwal Taluk Hospital, Pushparaj Hospital, Unity Hospital, Kanachur Hospital, Yenepoya Hospital, Indiana Hospital, and Colaco Hospital.

Out of the 137 affected, 84 received outpatient treatment, while 53 were admitted as inpatients. Thankfully, 23 patients have already been discharged, and the health of those remaining in hospitals is stable.

The health department is closely monitoring the situation and investigating the source of contamination.