Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], April 1 (HBTV): Over 100 people suffered from food poisoning after consuming adulterated buckwheat flour in Dehradun during Navratri, officials said on Monday. Health Secretary R Rajesh Kumar confirmed that all patients are in stable condition, and most will be discharged within the next 24 hours.

Following Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s instructions, the Food Safety and Drug Administration Department (FDA) raided shops and establishments in Dehradun and nearby border areas. Cases have been registered against more than 12 individuals.

Kumar stated that authorities were informed in the morning about patients admitted to Government Doon Medical College and Coronation Hospital.

‘On questioning the relatives of the patients, it was found that all of them had consumed items made of buckwheat flour, after which they started showing serious symptoms of food poisoning,’ he said.

Investigations revealed that the affected families had purchased buckwheat flour from different shops, but the source of the flour was traced to Saharanpur (Uttar Pradesh) and Vikasnagar (Dehradun).

The supplier was identified as Govind Sahay Shankar Lal, who had been distributing buckwheat flour from Saharanpur. Other key suppliers included Vikas Goyal Chakki, located near Mogganj Jama Masjid, Saharanpur, and Laxmi Trading in Sangam Vihar, Bhojwala Road, Vikasnagar, Dehradun. Laxmi Trading was the primary distributor of buckwheat flour in Dehradun, with a warehouse near Metyala Akbari Masjid.

Authorities found that these establishments had supplied adulterated buckwheat flour, violating Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulations, endangering the health of 84 people.

Given the severity of the incident, the Food Safety Department has taken immediate action, registering an FIR against Laxmi Trading and sealing its warehouse. Samples of the suspected flour have been collected and sent for testing. Investigations are also underway at the mill and shop in Saharanpur, with further action expected against other suppliers.

Kumar noted that the Food Department has been conducting regular inspections over the past three months and had previously written to the Uttar Pradesh Food Commissioner, urging action against food adulteration, as many adulterated products enter Uttarakhand from UP.

District Inspector Manish Singh has registered a case against the accused, and strict action will be taken against those responsible.

Kumar has urged the public to avoid consuming unsealed or suspicious buckwheat flour.

‘Check the quality of food items before purchasing. Buy buckwheat flour only from certified shops. If you feel unwell after consuming any food item, seek medical attention immediately and report adulteration on the toll-free helpline 1800-180-4246,’ he said.

Kumar visited Doon Medical College Hospital and Coronation Hospital to assess the condition of the patients. He met with those affected and their families, instructing doctors to ensure the best possible treatment and necessary facilities.

(ANI)