Bacteria in a cocktail: Dept. is filing a case against an outlet in Keralam’s Kannur

The food safety department has filed a case against popular juice outlet Caltex in Kannur after laboratory tests revealed the presence of dangerous bacteria in a shake served at the establishment.

The event followed an analysis conducted at the Regional Analytical Laboratory at Malaparamba, Kozhikode. The Kannur Circle of the Food Safety Department subsequently filed a case with the Taliparamba Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO).

On September 21, several people who consumed the cocktail at the store reported health problems, including vomiting, diarrhea and headaches. Among the sick were several children.

Acting on the complaints, officials from the Health and Food Safety Department as well as the Kannur Corporation Health Department inspected the outlet on September 23. Officials took samples and sent them for laboratory testing.

After examining the lab report, Deputy Food Safety Commissioner S. Sangeeth recommended registration of the case.

So far, the food safety department has received up to 55 complaints in connection with the incident. A provision for compensation for the disabled was also included in the case.

The plant will be allowed to resume operations once the deficiencies identified by the Food Safety Department are resolved.

Published – 06 Oct 2026 21:21 IST