Over 120 Hospitalized Due to Food Poisoning from Contaminated Buckwheat Flour in Mathura

GG News Bureau
Mathura, 27th August. More than 120 individuals, including women and children, were hospitalized for food poisoning after consuming items made from contaminated buckwheat flour. The incident occurred in several villages within the Farah police station area of Mathura district on the night of Janmashtami.

Officials reported that victims exhibited symptoms such as vomiting, dizziness, and shivering after consuming ‘puris’ and ‘pakodas’ made with the flour. The affected individuals were initially treated at local health centers but were later transferred to various hospitals, including the District Hospital in Mathura, the 100-bed Joint Hospital in Vrindavan, and SN Medical College in Agra.

Priyanka, a teenager admitted to a government hospital, described her symptoms: “We had fritters made from buckwheat flour last night. After that, I started vomiting and felt a burning sensation in my stomach.” Pritam Singh, a resident of Parkham village, reported similar symptoms among those who consumed the fritters.

Dr. Bhudev Prasad, in charge of the Health Department’s Rapid Response Team, confirmed that the Health Department, Farah Community Health Centre (CHC), and District Hospital responded promptly. As the number of cases increased, patients were shifted to larger medical facilities.

By Tuesday morning, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr. Ajay Kumar Verma indicated that over 60 people had been admitted to various hospitals, with the number later revised to more than 120. The CMO noted that 43 patients were admitted to SN Medical College Hospital in Agra, 29 to the District Hospital in Mathura, 15 to the 100-bed Combined Hospital, 15 to Baba Jaigurudev Charitable Hospital, and 10 to Chauhan Hospital.

Dr. Verma explained that complaints of food poisoning began around 10 PM on Monday from individuals observing the Janmashtami fast. Local treatment was initially provided before severe cases were transferred to the CHC and Agra hospitals.

The affected individuals had purchased the buckwheat flour from two local suppliers, Jhagdu and Rajkumar, who obtained their products from major grocery merchants in Farah.

In response to the incident, District Magistrate Shailendra Kumar Singh directed the District Food and Drug Administration to raid and seal the suppliers’ shops. Police are currently searching for the accused shopkeepers. The DM confirmed that the Food and Drugs Department is taking legal action and collecting samples from local shops. All victims are reported to be stable and receiving ongoing treatment.