Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, Jan 17: A college excursion to Goa turned into a medical emergency after 16 students from Kerala fell ill due to suspected food poisoning at Baga in North Goa.

Police said the students were part of a group of 50 who arrived in Goa on Thursday and were staying at a hotel in Saligao. On Friday, the group went sightseeing to Baga and Calangute, where they had lunch at a restaurant serving South Indian cuisine.

Soon after consuming the food, several students complained of nausea, stomach cramps and pain, and began vomiting. As their condition worsened, 16 of them were rushed to the North Goa district hospital in Mapusa.

Medical officials confirmed that the students were admitted to the emergency ward and treated for dehydration and gastrointestinal distress. All of them were later discharged after treatment.

Police and officials of the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) recorded statements from the students and said further investigation is underway. FDA officer Richard Noronha said the restaurant’s central kitchen was inspected following reports of food poisoning.

“A few months ago, the restaurant was inspected as part of our routine surveillance drive and an improvement notice was issued. We have now collected samples of the food consumed by the students and raw materials used in the kitchen,” Noronha said, adding that statements of the doctors who treated the students will also be recorded.

FDA officials noted that other groups had eaten at the same restaurant around the same time, but no complaints were received from them.