Delhi Food Poisoning Shock: Hundreds Fall Ill After Eating Buckwheat During Navratri
New Delhi was caught in a health crisis on Wednesday night when hundreds of people fell ill due to food poisoning. The incident was associated with the consumption of a staple food item, a type of grain (kuttu) during the Navratri fasting season. Hospitals across the city saw a sudden crowd of patients complaining of nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps and diarrhea.
The incident has raised questions about food safety standards during festivals when the demand for some materials such as a type of grain, Sabdana and Sinhara flour, increases rapidly.
Event: Sudden outbreak of disease
According to officials, the first cases were reported in South Delhi late on Tuesday night when many families arrived at local hospitals with symptoms of food poisoning. Within hours, similar reports took place from East and West Delhi.
Doctors at AIIMS, Safdarjung Hospital and LNJP Hospital confirmed that they found dozens of patients who had performed a type of grain during the Navratri fast. Small private clinics also reported the spike in cases.
A senior doctor at Safdarjung Hospital said, “Most patients had eaten a type of grain-based dishes like Puri, Pakora and Rotis. Symptoms included stomach cramps, loose stools and persistent vomiting.”
Suspected Cause: Contaminated Buckwheat Flour
Preliminary investigations suggest that contaminated or adulterated buckwheat flour may have been the cause of the mass food poisoning. Officials from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) collected samples from multiple shops and wholesale markets in Delhi.
Buckwheat is a widely consumed gluten-free grain substitute during Navratri. However, experts say poor storage, adulteration with low-quality substitutes, or fungal contamination can make it unsafe.
“There is a possibility of fungal growth in improperly stored flour, especially when it is kept in humid conditions. This can release toxins that cause food poisoning,” said a food safety expert.
Scale of the Outbreak
- Over 300 patients were admitted to hospitals across Delhi within 24 hours.
- At least 50 patients required intravenous (IV) fluids for dehydration caused by vomiting and diarrhea.
- Thankfully, no deaths have been reported so far.
Health officials fear the numbers may rise further as more people come forward for treatment.
Government Response
The Delhi government came into action after the news of the spread of food poisoning.
Health Minister’s statement: Delhi Health Minister announced that all government hospitals have been alerted and additional medical staff have been deployed.
- Food Safety Drive: The Food Department raided shops and wholesale grain markets, especially in Khari Baoli and Azadpur Mandi, where a large amount of grain trading is done.
- Helpline launched: A special helpline was activated to report food poisoning or suspected unsafe food for citizens.
- The minister said, “We are taking the matter very seriously. Samples have been sent to laboratories, and strict action will be taken against those found guilty of selling contaminated flour.”
Impact on Navratri devotees
Navratri is a nine-day festival, during which millions of devotees in Delhi are fast devotees and consume special foods prepared from a type of grain, Sinhra, Subudana and fruits. For many families, during this time, a type of grain flour is a staple.
The incident of this food poisoning has shaken public confidence. Many families have now switched to alternative fasting foods or are avoiding shopping altogether.
Sunita Sharma, a resident of Lajpat Nagar, said, “I bought a fresh packet of grain flour from a prestigious brand, yet my whole family became ill after eating rotis. We had to run to the hospital at midnight.”
Experts Call for Stricter Food Safety Checks
Food safety experts argue that the festival season often sees a spike in food adulteration, as there is a demand for a very distant supply. Unscrupulous traders can mix low-quality grains or starch with a type of grain flour to earn profits.
- Storage issues: Bulk grains are often stored in unhealthy warehouses, causing fungal contamination.
- Lack of regulation: Small shops rarely follow proper food storage guidelines.
- Consumer Awareness: Many consumers are unaware of how to identify real and safe products.
Experts suggest that both the government and the consumer need to be vigilant. Only FSSAI-certified products can help reduce the risk of packaging, checking the dates of packaging, and storing flour in dry, airtight containers.
Political reactions
The opposition in Delhi criticized the government, alleging that it had failed to ensure food security during the festival season.
A senior opposition leader said, “This is not just about an incident. Year -Dar -Sal, we see water -filling food during festivals. The government should take responsibility for the health crisis.”
In response, government officials assured that strict punishment would be imposed on traders who would be found guilty of negligence or deliberate adulteration.
Broader Context: Food Safety in India
Food adulteration has been a recurring issue in India. From milk contamination during Diwali to synthetic coloring in sweets during Holi, festivals often highlight weaknesses in the food safety enforcement system.
According to a 2024 FSSAI report, nearly 13% of food samples tested across India were found to be unsafe or adulterated. Experts say that unless food inspections become more frequent and penalties stricter, such incidents will continue.
What’s Next?
- Lab Reports Pending: Authorities are awaiting lab test results of the seized buckwheat flour samples.
- Possible Recall: If contamination is confirmed, a citywide recall of certain buckwheat flour brands may be ordered.
- Health Advisory: Doctors have advised citizens to avoid consuming buckwheat from unverified sources until the cause is fully established.
Conclusion
The Delhi buckwheat food poisoning case has turned what should be a sacred and joyous Navratri festival into a health scare for hundreds of families. While no fatalities have been reported, the incident underscores the urgent need for stronger food safety mechanisms, consumer awareness, and accountability among traders.
As investigations continue, the Delhi government faces mounting pressure to ensure that food sold in the capital, especially during festivals, is safe and free of adulteration. For now, devotees are left worried, questioning the very purity of their festive offerings.
