Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Food Safety Department has said no toxic substance was detected in laboratory tests conducted after two people died allegedly following the consumption of seafood at Asmak Seafood Family Restaurant in Vizhinjam.

According to the Food Safety Commissioner, samples collected from the restaurant — including prawn, lobster, squid, edible mushroom, mussel and amur — were sent to the Seafood Inspection and Testing Facility (SIFT) for analysis. The Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT)-linked laboratory tests did not detect any toxic elements. Officials also confirmed that no fish eggs were found in the samples tested.

The incident triggered a wider probe into the source of seafood supplied to Vizhinjam, particularly fish eggs sourced from neighbouring Tamil Nadu.

Fish egg samples to be collected from the Kanyakumari coast

As part of the Vizhinjam seafood poisoning investigation, food safety officials will inspect fish markets in the Kanyakumari coastal belt on Friday. Samples of fish eggs will be collected and sent to SIFT for detailed testing, the Commissioner said.

Authorities are examining whether contaminated fish eggs or improperly handled seafood could have contributed to the reported cases of seafood poisoning.

An expert committee has been formed for scientific examination

An expert committee has been constituted to conduct a comprehensive scientific review of the incident. The team includes scientists from the Food Safety Department, the scientific division of SIFT in Kochi, experts from the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS), and officials from the Fisheries Department.

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The expert team is expected to visit seafood outlets in Vizhinjam and fish markets across the Thiruvananthapuram coastal region as part of the ongoing food safety inspection drive.

Complaint submitted to Kerala Chief Minister

Meanwhile, Sreeja and her daughter Archa, natives of Kottarakkara who were admitted to Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital after consuming seafood, have filed a complaint with the Kerala Chief Minister.

Medical College authorities recorded the cause as “seafood poisoning” in their inspection report, prompting the family to seek further action.