In north-west Delhi, this Tuesday, 23rd September, 2025, nearly 150- 200 people have reportedly fallen ill after consuming food products made of Buckwheat (kuttu atta) while fasting for Navratri. These people have fallen at the same time due to suspected food poisoning.
The concerned authorities were alerted on Tuesday morning, and affected individuals from different parts were taken to the closest hospital for treatment. This incident has sparked concern over the quality of raw food materials made available in the market during festive seasons.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), North West, Bhisham Singh, said that calls began pouring in around 6:30 in the morning at the Jahangiripuri police station, informing that several people had fallen ill after eating food prepared with ‘Kuttu ka atta’.
Following this, the beats staff have been sent into the neighbourhoods to make announcements on loudspeakers, cautioning shopkeepers, vendors, and residents about the quality of flour being sold.
The teams were rushed to BJRM Hospital, where the chief medical officer (CMO), Dr. Vishesh Yadav, stated that around 150-200 people had presented to the emergency ward since morning, complaining of vomiting.
However, after some time, patients from areas such as Jahangirpuri, Mahendra Park, Samaypur Bhalswa Dairy, Lal Bagh, and Swaroop Nagar were reported to be in a stable condition, with no serious cases detected. He also added that all patients were stable, none required admission, and no case was serious, and the information was being shared to avoid panic.
The matter has also been referred to the Food Department for further action, including quality checks of Buckwheat that is being sold in local markets. The official said, ‘We are coordinating with the Food Department and local health officials, and people are being made aware at the community level to ensure public safety’. They also said there are awaiting inputs from food safety teams to ascertain whether the flour was contaminated or adulterated.
Since the demand for Buckwheat spikes suddenly during fasting, few issues with storage, transport, and adulteration can easily go unnoticed. Meanwhile, contamination may occur at the milling stage or while transporting and mixing with other flours. Another possibility, experts note, is that the immune system during fasting becomes more prone to attack, causing people to be more careful while consuming food right after observing a fast.
(Rh/MY/NS)
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