Home / Health / Fasting Flour Blamed for Mass Illness Outbreak
Fasting Flour Blamed for Mass Illness Outbreak
17 Feb
Summary
- Dozens fell ill with vomiting and diarrhea after consuming fasting food.
- Contaminated buckwheat flour is suspected as the cause of the outbreak.
- Food safety officials are collecting samples for laboratory testing.
An outbreak of illness, affecting at least 28 residents from Eco Village-3 and Himalaya Pride societies, occurred recently. The affected individuals experienced symptoms including loose motion, vomiting, abdominal pain, and headache. Hospital officials reported that the symptoms began after the consumption of food prepared with buckwheat (kuttu) flour, commonly eaten during Mahashivratri fasting.
Authorities have initiated an inquiry into the incident. Samples of the suspected kuttu flour are being collected and sent for laboratory analysis to ascertain if it was adulterated or unfit for consumption. Food safety teams are also investigating the source of the flour, with some residents suggesting it may have been purchased locally or online.
Medical professionals stated that all 28 patients, comprising 15 women, seven men, and six children, were treated promptly. While some have been discharged, the remaining patients are under medical observation and are reported to be stable and recovering well. The food safety department plans to take further action based on the laboratory test results.
