Mahashivratri Celebrations Marred by Mass Food Poisoning in Noida
In a distressing incident during the Mahashivratri festival, at least 70 residents from three different housing societies in Greater Noida West fell seriously ill after consuming meals prepared with contaminated kuttu (buckwheat) flour while breaking their fasts on Sunday. The affected societies include Supertech Ecovillage 3, Himalayan Pride, and Royal Court Society, where families reported severe symptoms including nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and stomach aches shortly after dinner.
Police Action and FIR Registration
The Bisrakh police have taken swift action by registering a First Information Report (FIR) under Section 275 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertains to the sale of noxious food or drink, along with relevant sections of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. This legal step was initiated based on a formal complaint filed by the food safety officer. In response to the outbreak, police teams have sealed one shop located within Royal Court Society and the warehouse that supplied the implicated batch of buckwheat flour. Four individuals, including the warehouse owner, have been detained for questioning as part of the ongoing investigation.
Resident Accounts and Hospital Admissions
Victims from the affected societies have shared harrowing experiences of their sudden illness. Ajay Sharma, a resident of Supertech Ecovillage 3, recounted, "My wife, our daughter, and I started feeling dizzy around 10 pm after eating dinner. We had fasted for Mahashivratri and consumed kuttu flour rotis for our evening meal. Initially, we attributed the symptoms to low blood pressure, but when vomiting began, we rushed to the hospital." His family remains admitted at Max Hospital in Sector 128.
Another resident, senior citizen Madan Malik from the same society, stated, "My wife and I are currently in the Intensive Care Unit at Kailash Hospital in Sector 71. We ate kuttu roti for dinner yesterday as part of our Mahashivratri fast." Hospital reports indicate that patients range from children to elderly individuals, with conditions described as stable but requiring medical observation.
Source Tracing and Supply Chain Investigation
According to the food department, the source of the contaminated buckwheat flour has been traced back to a single manufacturing unit operated by HD Spices, located in Chipyana Buzurg village within Greater Noida West. This manufacturer had previously obtained a supply licence from the Ghaziabad food department. The affected batch was distributed through multiple channels, including quick-delivery applications and local grocery and ration stores, amplifying the reach of the contamination.
Sarvesh Kumar, Assistant Commissioner of Food in Noida, explained, "The source of the buckwheat flour was identified based on patient statements. The same supplier was linked to both delivery apps and physical shops. We have collected samples from shops, warehouses, and the manufacturer for detailed analysis." He added that the exact cause—whether bacterial contamination, fungal toxins, or deliberate adulteration—will be determined following laboratory testing of the collected samples.
Hospital Statistics and Medical Response
While initial official reports suggested around 40 admissions, investigations by local media reveal that over 70 individuals have been admitted to various hospitals in and around the Greater Noida West area. Komal, a resident of Himalayan Pride Society, shared her ordeal: "I purchased the buckwheat flour from our local ration shop and prepared pooris. After dinner, my family and I experienced stomach aches and vomiting. I showed the flour packet to doctors at the hospital." She, along with her parents, husband, and son, is admitted at Numed Hospital.
Medical facilities have been actively managing the influx of patients. An official from Numed Hospital reported that approximately 35 patients arrived with food poisoning symptoms around 11 pm on Sunday. "Twelve patients were discharged after preliminary treatment, while others required further care. As of Monday, about 25 patients, including children and senior citizens, remain under observation with stable conditions," the official stated.
Similarly, Kailash Hospital in Sector 71 admitted four individuals on Sunday night, with three discharged by Monday and one elderly patient with comorbidities still under care. Yatharth Hospital in Greater Noida West treated 28 patients, including 15 women, seven men, and six children, presenting symptoms such as loose motions, headaches, and diarrhea.
Expert Insights on Buckwheat Flour Safety
Dr. Ajay Rana, Chief Medical Superintendent at Noida District Hospital, provided expert commentary on the risks associated with buckwheat flour. He noted, "Buckwheat flour is often stored for extended periods due to infrequent use. Prolonged shelf storage can lead to quality deterioration, resulting in digestive issues and other health problems. To mitigate such risks, consumers are advised to purchase buckwheat seeds and grind them fresh at home." This advice highlights broader concerns about food storage practices and consumer safety in the region.
The incident has sparked significant concern among residents and authorities alike, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of food safety regulations. As investigations proceed, the focus remains on ensuring accountability and preventing future occurrences of such mass poisoning events during religious and cultural celebrations.
