Kochi: The Kerala government confirmed on Thursday that Coliform bacteria were present in water samples collected from an apartment complex in which over 490 people, including children, were recently hospitalized due to food poisoning.

According to the Health Department, 46 samples were collected from various sources such as overhead tanks, borewells, domestic taps, and wells. State Health Minister Veena George stated in a release that the analysis confirmed the presence of Coliform bacteria in three samples.

"The traces were detected in a preliminary examination conducted on 19 samples. This shows that the water quality was bad. The Superchlorination process is being done under the supervision of the Health Department," the minister said.

Superchlorination, a water treatment process where large amounts of chlorine are added to the water supply to ensure rapid disinfection, is currently being implemented. A notice has been issued to the flat association under various sections of the Kerala Public Health Act, 2023, and the Indian Penal Code.

The apartment complex, located in Kakkanad, houses 4,095 residents across 15 towers. The notice directs the association to provide quality drinking water from approved agencies and to conduct superchlorination regularly.

"In a survey conducted, it was found that 492 people have displayed symptoms of illness," the release stated. Residents of the apartment complex have sought treatment for food poisoning over the last few days, prompting municipal and health authorities to inspect the water sources used by them. PTI