During the Navratri fast in Dehradun, around 100 individuals became ill from eating buckwheat (kuttu) flour. The sick individuals experienced harsh symptoms of food poisoning such as vomiting and diarrhea with stomach pain. Multiple patients received emergency hospital care in Coronation and Doon Hospital after their buckwheat (kuttu) flour sickness.
The investigation into the mass illness aims to determine if buckwheat flour sold in different local markets was tainted with foreign substances. People who became sick acquired their flour from different venues located in Vikasnagar, Patel Nagar, and Kotwali.
The Dehradun SSP has requested people to stop eating buckwheat flour obtained from these portions of the city. The Food Safety Department now receives orders to inspect facilities extensively and take tests on all food samples.
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Doctors Confirm Food Poisoning
Medical staff treating these patients validated the symptoms as food poisoning, which stems from bacterial contamination or flour impurities. Most of the victims are recovering, but medical staff keep observing several patients because their condition worsens from dehydration and weakness.
Public Advisory Issued
In light of the incident, health officials have advised citizens to take extra precautions when purchasing and consuming fast foods.
Key recommendations include:
- Buy food products from reputable and certified vendors.
- Check packaging and expiry dates before use.
- Store food properly to avoid contamination.
- Immediately report any suspicious food products to local authorities.
The Uttarakhand government has directed strict monitoring of food products sold in markets, especially during festival seasons. Officials are also considering stricter regulations and penalties for vendors selling substandard or adulterated food items.
