Key Update

Eleven people fell ill after consuming bajjis (fritters) prepared with suspected contaminated all-purpose flour (maida) in S Kondrupadu village of Ganapavaram mandal in West Godavari district in Andhra Pradesh. Health officials said three patients remain in critical condition. Preliminary findings show that the family used maida stored for nearly a year in worker sheds at aqua farms. Officials suspect the flour became contaminated with fungi or mould during storage. The family prepared the food at home and shared it with neighbours and relatives. Authorities clarified that the incident did not involve any commercial food activity.

Relatives Visiting Village Among Those Hospitalised

District Medical and Health Officer Dr Geetha Bai said a family of six prepared punukulu, a popular breakfast snack made with maida, while hosting relatives visiting from Hyderabad and Hanuman Junction during their summer vacation. The family also served the food to neighbours. Soon after eating it, several people developed food poisoning symptoms and sought treatment at hospitals in Bhimavaram.

Food Safety Officials Send Samples for Testing

Doctors admitted five affected persons to a private hospital, while another five are undergoing treatment at a hospital in Bhimavaram. Doctors also admitted a two-year-old boy to Varma Hospital. Food safety officials visited the village, collected samples, and sent them to the forensic science laboratory (FSL) in Vijayawada for analysis. District Collector Chadalavada Nagarani later visited the hospitals to review the treatment being provided. She instructed health officials to closely monitor the patients and provide the best possible medical care.

Source: The Times of India