Baghpat/Bijnor/Bulandshahr (UP), March 20 Nearly 85 people, including an additional district magistrate, fell ill after consuming 'kuttu ka atta' (buckwheat flour) – typically consumed during fasting rituals – in the districts of Baghpat, Bijnor, and Bulandshahr in Uttar Pradesh, officials said on Friday.
All affected individuals have been hospitalised, they said.
More than three dozen people fell ill after consuming buckwheat flour in various areas of Bulandshahr. All have been admitted to the district hospital, and their health is showing signs of improvement, an administrative official said on Friday.
Sadar Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Dinesh Chandra said that during Navratri, devotees observe a fast and consume 'falahaar' (light fruit-based meals without grains) prepared using buckwheat flour.
A total of 39 individuals were admitted to the hospital and are currently undergoing treatment.
The SDM and the police circle officer (CO) met the patients and spoke with their family members.
The SDM said that all the patients are now in good health. Their condition is gradually improving.
These individuals come from various parts of the city. They informed officials that they had purchased the buckwheat flour from different locations, rather than from a single source, the SDM said.
He added that samples have been collected for testing, and further action will be initiated based on the results of the investigation.
In the Baghpat district, more than 18 people, including Additional District Magistrate (Judicial) Shiv Narayan Singh, suffered from food poisoning after eating meals prepared with buckwheat flour during Navratri.
According to officials, on Thursday evening, Shiv Narayan Singh, his associate Satish Kashyap, and several others consumed dishes made from buckwheat flour. Shortly afterwards, they began experiencing symptoms such as vomiting, restlessness, and discomfort. As their condition deteriorated, they were all rushed to a hospital.
Nine members of a family from Kasimpur Khedi village, six people from Malakpur village, and two from Bawli village, also fell ill following the consumption of items prepared with buckwheat flour and required medical attention.
The incidents have caused a stir within the health and food safety departments, and joint teams have initiated a probe into the cases.
Deputy Commissioner, Food Safety Department, DP Singh said that efforts are underway to trace the source of the buckwheat flour.
He further said that strict action would be taken against the shopkeeper who sold the flour. Additionally, samples are being collected from suspicious establishments for laboratory testing.
He emphasised that the sale of adulterated buckwheat flour in the market would not be tolerated under any circumstances. Currently, the condition of all patients is said to be stable. The administration has appealed to the public to consume only reliable and pre-packaged food products.
Meanwhile, in Bijnor district, around 30 people suffered symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea after consuming buckwheat flour on Thursday – the first day of Navratri.
Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Kaushlendra Singh said that approximately 30 people across Sikroda, Lahak Kala, Mohanpur, and Khairullapur (located in Mandawali and Najibabad) began vomiting on Thursday evening after consuming buckwheat flour preparations.
He said that the majority of the affected persons were admitted to Samipur Hospital in Najibabad. Some patients also sought treatment at private hospitals.
The CMO said that the situation is now under control.
The food department will collect samples from the shop in Najibabad that sold the buckwheat flour; following examination of these samples, appropriate action will be taken in accordance with regulations, officials said.
