Over 100 People Fall Ill Due To ‘Food Poisoning’ From Adulterated Buckwheat Flour In Dehradun

Based on patients' statements, the authorities have identified and sealed 22 shops from where the buckwheat flour was sourced.

More than 100 people fell ill and were hospitalised due to suspected food poisoning after consuming adulterated 'kuttu' (buckwheat) flour in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, an official stated on Monday.

Dehradun Senior Superintendent of Police Ajay Singh updated that among those, 66 people were rushed to Coronation Hospital and 44 to Doon Medical College and Hospital, according to a report by PTI.

Further, he noted that the health of a few individuals deteriorated on Sunday night, whereas other individuals were rushed to the hospital on Monday morning. However, Singh assured that the condition of all those patients is stable now, and nothing to worry about it.

The contaminated wheat flour, which caused the illness, was sourced from Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Based on patients' statements, the authorities have identified and sealed 22 shops from where the buckwheat flour was sourced and purchased. All the edible items from those shops were seized, and shopkeepers were summoned for questioning, the SSP stated.

Meanwhile, Uttarakhand Minister Dhan Singh Rawat told ANI, "Two incidents, one in Dehradun and the other in Haridwar, have come to light. Both the CM and I, went to the hospital (to meet the affected persons). In the Dehradun incident, the shop where the buckwheat flour was bought was sealed. Relevant officials in Haridwar ordered to take action into the incident there. 60 people in Dehradun and 18 people in Haridwar were affected."

Investigation Launched

Officials in Saharanpur, including the District Magistrate and Senior Superintendent of Police, have been notified, and a team has been dispatched to investigate.

Following the information about the incident, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami paid his visit to the Coronation Hospital and checked the condition of patients. He also wished them of speedy recovery and ordered the District Magistrate of Dehradun and Health Department officials to make sure that they received proper treatment.

Dhami also directed to increased the number of beds in the hospitals if required. He further ordered the Health Secretary to conduct a thorough investigation and take strict action against those responsible.

He emphasised the need for coordination between the Health Department, Food Safety Department, and other relevant agencies to prevent such incidents in the future and ensure accountability.