Health Scare in Uttar Pradesh: Over 85 Fall Ill After Consuming Buckwheat Flour During Navratri
Health Crisis During Navratri Celebrations
In several districts of Uttar Pradesh, the sacred occasion of Navratri has turned into a health crisis for devotees. More than 85 individuals, including an Additional District Magistrate (ADM), have fallen ill after consuming 'kuttu ka aata' (buckwheat flour) in Baghpat, Bijnor, Bareilly, and Bulandshahr. This mass food poisoning incident has prompted urgent action from health officials and the Food Safety Department.
Authorities reported that at least 85 people, including the ADM, were hospitalized after eating buckwheat flour, which is commonly consumed during fasting periods. All affected individuals have been admitted to hospitals, with over three dozen cases reported in various areas of Bulandshahr. An administrative officer confirmed that patients are showing signs of improvement.
Details of the Incident
Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Dinesh Chandra explained that devotees typically consume 'falahar' (a light meal based on fruits and grains) made from buckwheat flour during Navratri.
Hospitalizations Reported
More than 39 individuals have been hospitalized and are currently receiving treatment. The SDM and the Circle Officer (CO) have visited the patients and spoken with their families.
The SDM noted that all patients are recovering, with gradual improvements in their health. They reported purchasing buckwheat flour from various locations rather than a single source.
Investigation Underway
Samples have been collected for investigation, and further actions will be determined based on the results. In Baghpat, over 18 individuals, including ADM Shiv Narayan Singh, experienced food poisoning after consuming meals made with buckwheat flour during Navratri.
According to officials, on Thursday evening, Shiv Narayan Singh, his colleague Satish Kashyap, and several others consumed dishes made from buckwheat flour. Shortly after, they began experiencing symptoms such as vomiting, discomfort, and anxiety, leading to their immediate hospitalization.
Family Cases and Health Department Response
Nine members of a single family from Kasimpur Khedi village, six individuals from Malkapur village, and two from Bavli village also fell ill after eating buckwheat flour dishes, requiring medical attention. This situation has caused a stir within health and food safety departments, prompting joint teams to initiate investigations. D.P. Singh, the Deputy Commissioner of the Food Safety Department, stated that efforts are ongoing to trace the source of the buckwheat flour.
He emphasized that strict action will be taken against the vendor who sold the flour. Additionally, samples are being collected from suspected establishments for laboratory testing.
Public Advisory Issued
He stressed that the sale of adulterated buckwheat flour will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Currently, all patients are reported to be in stable condition. Authorities have urged the public to consume only reliable and pre-packaged food products. Meanwhile, in Bijnor district, around 30 individuals exhibited symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea after consuming buckwheat flour on the first day of Navratri.
Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr. Kaushalendra Singh reported that approximately 30 people from Sikroda, Lahak Kala, Mohanpur, and Khairullapur (located in Mandawali and Najibabad) began experiencing vomiting after eating buckwheat flour dishes on Thursday evening.