Overview

Two women died, and five others fell ill after consuming porridge made from mango seeds in Odisha’s Kandhamal region. The State government has ordered an investigation into the incident.

The victims, Ramita Patmajhi and Runu Majhi, both from Mandipanka village in Daringbadi block, were taken to Brahmanigaon Hospital after they experienced severe stomach pain and vomiting. As their condition worsened, doctors transferred them to MKCG Medical College Hospital in Berhampur. Medical staff reported that four other women remain stable, while one is in critical condition.

How Mango Seeds Turn Toxic

People have traditionally eaten mango seeds, but Kumari Mallick, the Sarpanch of Gadapur Panchayat, has raised doubts about whether fungus developed on the seeds.

Residents of Mandipanka village reported that people gradually consumed porridge made from mango seeds, which eventually made the food poisonous. In response, Mukesh Mahaling, the State Minister of Health and Family Welfare, instructed the Health Director to investigate the deaths and illnesses and submit a report.

Amrit Ruturaj, the Collector of Kandhamal, said the cause of death remains unclear because the post-mortem report has not been received yet. If the consumption of mango seeds is confirmed as a risk factor, the district will launch campaigns to promote safer eating habits among tribal communities.

History of Mango Seed Poisoning in Odisha

This is not the first such incident in Odisha. In the early 2000s, people in the Kashipur region of Rayagada district died after consuming mango seeds. These deaths attracted national and international attention as reports revealed that Indigenous communities had relied on mango seeds due to a lack of grain supplies.

Source: The Hindu