Mass food poisoning strikes UP districts after consuming buckwheat flour

Meerut/Bijnor: A food poisoning outbreak has struck several districts in Uttar Pradesh, with over 70 people falling ill after consuming contaminated buckwheat (kuttu) flour during Navratri on Thursday.In Bulandshahr, nearly 38 residents were hospitalised with severe headache and vomiting, while 10 persons in Bijnor, including several minors, required emergency care after eating pakoras and puris.The crisis extended to Baghpat, where nearly 24 individuals were affected, including additional district magistrate (judicial) Shiv Narayan Singh and his steno Satish Kashyap. Those affected across the region were taken to district hospitals and community health centres after their conditions deteriorated rapidly following ritual fast-breaking meals.Medical officials, including Bulandshahr's chief medical superintendent Dr Pradeep Rana, suspect the illnesses were caused by expired or tainted flour sold by local vendors."After a prolonged fast, the digestive system slows down, and the sudden consumption of heavy or oily foods can put significant stress on the body. This often leads to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, uneasiness, bloating and dizziness. If the food consumed is contaminated or stale, the risk of food poisoning increases further. People observing fasts should break them with light, easily digestible meals and ensure the quality of ingredients," said Rana.In response, the food safety department has launched a multi-district investigation, collecting samples from shops in Najibabad, Baraut and Bulandshahr to trace the source of the contamination."We collected samples of kuttu flour from six locations and sent them for laboratory testing. Around 400kg of the product have been seized. Details of the firms involved have also been shared with the Ghaziabad food department for further action," said Vineet Kumar, assistant commissioner, food and safety department in Bulandshahr.While all patients are currently said to be in stable condition, local authorities have put health departments on high alert and warned that strict legal action will be taken against negligent shopkeepers once formal complaints are processed.