Mumbai family death case: FDA rules out adulteration in watermelon, other food items

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has found that the watermelon consumed by the family of four, who died hours later in Mumbai last month, showed no signs of adulteration.

The agency has also ruled out signs of additives such as artificial sweeteners or colours. However, since bacterial tests could not be conducted on the food items, the presence of bacteria or any other toxin cannot be ruled out.

What did the tests find?

Officials from the FDA said their testing can determine whether a product matches what it claims to be and can detect the presence of known substances involved in food adulteration. For example, in the case of watermelon, the agency found no evidence of synthetic dyes or other additives used to artificially enhance its colour, sweetness, or size.

Meanwhile, samples collected from other food items consumed by the family were found to be of standard quality. Tests of water samples were inconclusive, while the dates could not be sent for examination due to their low quantity and meat samples have been shared with local authorities for a protein analysis.

The victims, Abdullah (40), his wife Nasrin (35), and daughters Zainab (13) and Ayesha (16), reportedly fell ill shortly after a family get-together they hosted at their JJ Marg residence on April 25.

The family consumed a main course of ‘chicken pulav’ along with five other guests, and once the visitors left, they consumed watermelon and began experiencing vomiting and giddiness.

Probe on

Forensic experts will conduct tests to identify toxins that may be produced by microorganisms or other harmful substances. “The results will be cross-checked against a comprehensive database of known poisons,” a senior forensic expert said.

Prima facie, it was a case of food poisoning, but police are also investigating if it was a case of suicide by a family and examining Abdullah Dokadia’s bank statements to check whether he was under stress due to financial reasons, the official added.

Although autopsies have been conducted, doctors have reserved their opinion, and the viscera of the four bodies have been sent for chemical analysis, the official said

With inputs from agencies