Synthetic sweetener found in cake samples linked to Indian 10-year-old's death on birthday

Last month, a 10-year-old girl died after allegedly consuming her birthday cake in the north Indian state of Punjab. In the latest development, health officials said on Monday that they found a high concentration of synthetic sweetener, known as saccharine, in the samples of cake which were collected from the bakery thathad supplied the cake.

The incident happened in Patiala where the girl, identified in reports as Manvi, allegedly died after eating the cake. However, a forensic report is awaited to draw conclusions. Not just the girl, but her entire family fell ill on March 24 after eating the chocolate cake that was ordered online.

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Citing officials, Indian media outlets reported that two cake samples were found to contain a high concentration of saccharine out of four taken for analysis from the bakery.

Notably, saccharine is an artificial sweetener which is often used as a substitute for sugar, especially by diabetics. It is often used in food and drinks in small quantities, however, high levels can lead to a rapid rise in blood glucose levels.

A first information report (FIR) has already been filed against the bakery's owner, as per reports. As mentioned in reports, the officials have said that action will be taken against the bakery soon. A fine might also be imposed.

When the news broke last month, Manvi's grandfather was quoted as saying that the entire family fell sick hours after the cake-cutting ceremony. It was believed that all of them consumed the cake.

The grandfather had said that Manvi's younger sister also fell sick as both of them started throwing up. Manvi even complained of dryness in her mouth.

(With inputs from agencies)