Delhi Food Poisoning: 200 Fall Ill After Eating Buckwheat Flour Snacks While Fasting for Navratri

More than 200 people in the northwest areas of Delhi reported symptoms of food poisoning after consuming snacks made with buckwheat flour, or kuttu atta, during Navratri fasting. According to the police, residents from various localities around the Jahangirpuri area complained of severe stomachaches, vomiting, and diarrhoea and were then taken to the emergency wards of a nearby hospital. Hospital officials said all patients were stable, and none required admission. The incident sparked panic in the affected neighbourhoods, as many residents were observing Navratri fasts. The police have now begun sensitising shopkeepers and residents about adulterated food, and the case has been referred to the Delhi government’s Food Department, which has ordered

an investigation into the source and quality of the flour. Buckwheat flour is a popular fasting staple during Navratri and is extremely high in demand. According to officials, any contamination or adulteration of such fast foods can affect many people quickly. The source of contamination, whether via adulteration or spoilage, is not yet confirmed.

What is food poisoning?

Food poisoning happens when you swallow food or water that is contaminated by germs or other toxins. Your body acts to remove the toxins from your digestive tract through diarrhoea and vomiting or both. Symptoms of food poisoning last for at least two days.

Signs and symptoms of food poisoning

Food poisoning starts affecting your body just two to three hours after you consume contaminated food. A few signs and symptoms include:

• Watery diarrhoea
• High fever
• Severe headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Stomach ache

What causes food poisoning?

The most common causes of food poisoning include bacteria, which grow in food when it is not fresh, washed, handled hygienically, refrigerated properly, or kept at proper temperatures. Other pathogens, like viruses, parasites, and fungi, also poison your food and may live in the environment where your food or water comes from. They can also transfer your food from somebody who handles it if that person is infected.

Common food poisoning infections

According to experts, pathogens can lead to more than 200 types of food poisoning, which happen due to:

Salmonella

Salmonella is the most common cause of food poisoning in the United States and can be life-threatening.

E. coli

While the E. coli bacteria do not always cause illness, some strains can be highly toxic and produce toxins that irritate your intestines.

Listeria

Listeria is mostly found in soft cheeses, raw sprouts, deli meats, and hot dogs. Listeria infection causes listeriosis that can be especially dangerous in pregnancy.

Risk factors of food poisoning

You may be more likely to get sick from food poisoning and have a severe reaction to it. Many things can impact your immunity, including:

Age

Children under the age of 5 years have immature immune systems. Mature immune systems begin to decline after the age of 65.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy can be demanding on your body, leaving you with fewer resources than usual to fight off infections.

Chronic illnesses

Many chronic conditions can affect your immunity. Infections, cancer, immunodeficiency diseases, and autoimmune diseases are a few.