Key Update

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the retail licence of Guru Nanak Dairy in Pune after several members of three families reportedly fell ill following the consumption of malai peda purchased from the establishment. The incident occurred in Wadgaon Sheri, where residents developed symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, and nausea within hours of eating the sweets. The pedas had been distributed during a vehicle puja, prompting an investigation by the FDA and Chandan Nagar Police.

Families Point to Sweets as the Common Food Item

According to the affected families, the sweets were the only food item common to all those who later became ill. Each family had consumed separate meals prepared at home, leading them to suspect the pedas as the source of the illness. Nalini Pachpute, one of the complainants, said her 14-year-old son required intensive medical care after developing severe symptoms.

“We had eaten food at home. The only outside food consumed that day was the peda,” she reportedly told investigators. Pachpute said the family decided to pursue the matter to ensure accountability and prevent similar incidents from affecting others.

Multiple Hospitalisations Reported

Rahul Fadtare, who purchased and distributed the sweets during the vehicle puja, said three members of his family fell ill shortly after consuming them. Several affected individuals reportedly required hospitalisation, with some admitted to intensive care units due to the severity of their symptoms. Another resident, Sandeep Veer, said his wife and nine-year-old son developed severe vomiting and diarrhoea and were hospitalised. He later experienced similar symptoms. Hospital reports reportedly indicated a bacterial infection.

Police and FDA Launch Investigation

Police officials said they recorded statements from affected residents and sent biological samples for forensic examination. Preliminary medical assessments suggested food poisoning, though authorities are awaiting laboratory confirmation. Assistant Police Inspector Ganesh Jagdale of Chandan Nagar Police Station said the investigation would rely heavily on scientific findings and laboratory evidence.

FDA Suspends Licence, Issues Stop-Work Notice

The FDA has suspended Guru Nanak Dairy’s retail licence and issued a stop-work notice to the manufacturing facility pending further investigation. Syed Imran Hashmi, Assistant Commissioner (Food) and Designated Officer, FDA Maharashtra, confirmed that officials had inspected the manufacturing unit and collected samples for analysis.

FDA Awaits Test Results Before Taking Further Action

The test results are expected later this week and will determine the next course of action. FDA officials said that if testing confirms the food sample was unsafe for human consumption, authorities will initiate stronger legal action under applicable food safety laws. The findings will also guide police action, including any potential criminal proceedings.

Families Seek Accountability

For the affected families, the incident has resulted in hospital visits, missed workdays, and significant distress. They have called for strict action if contamination is confirmed. They say the issue goes beyond their personal experience and highlights the need for stronger food safety controls to prevent similar incidents in the future. As authorities await the test results, both regulators and affected families hope the findings will establish the cause of the illness and ensure appropriate accountability.

Source: The Indian Express