Dead lizard in Nalasopara birthday cake sends 11 to hospital

At least 11 people, including seven children, fell ill after eating a birthday cake containing a dead house lizard in Nalasopara, Maharashtra, on Saturday night. Three children are in the ICU of Vijayalakshmi Hospital, according to the Hindustan Times. The victims experienced vomiting, severe abdominal pain, and a burning sensation in the chest soon after consuming the cake.

The children found the lizard inside a layer of the cake. House lizards can carry harmful bacteria like Salmonella, raising serious food safety concerns. Police have seized cake samples for testing. The Vasai-Virar mayor said the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was alerted to inspect the bakery.

The Maharashtra FDA conducted a search at Chamunda cake shop, from where the cake was allegedly purchased, and cancelled its license on Sunday. A Tulinj police investigation is underway, and the exact cause of the poisoning is awaited after sample analysis. Hospital officials said all affected patients are in stable condition.