Bhel Outbreak Sickens 186 in India

A suspected food-poisoning outbreak has impacted 186 villagers in Nandgaon, Malegaon taluka, following consumption of bhel from a stall at a weekly bazaar held on Sunday. Health officials reported on Tuesday that the number of affected individuals rose significantly since Monday afternoon. Patients experienced symptoms including diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea, primarily after consuming bhel with specific chutneys sold at the market. Notably, villagers who ate the bhel without these accompanying chutneys remained unaffected.

In response, health teams established surveillance camps in Nandgaon. Fresh water and food samples have been collected and sent for laboratory analysis to determine the cause. A total of 109 patients were admitted to Malegaon General Hospital, 71 to the Women and Child Hospital, and six to the Malegaon Camp Urban Health Centre. The condition of all hospitalized individuals is stable, with officials expecting their discharge after a final medical evaluation. The Malegaon Taluka police have initiated a case against the bhel stall owner under relevant sections of the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006.