Key Update

More than 70 residents from Supertech Ecovillage 3, Himalayan Pride, and Royal Court Society in Greater Noida West fell ill on Sunday night after consuming buckwheat (kuttu) flour during Mahashivratri fasting. Families reported dizziness, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhoea shortly after dinner and sought emergency medical care at nearby hospitals.

Police Register FIR, Seal Shop and Warehouse

Following a complaint from a food safety officer, Bisrakh police registered an FIR under Section 275 (sale of noxious food or drink) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with relevant provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.  Authorities sealed a retail shop in the Royal Court Society and the warehouse that supplied the suspected batch of flour. Four individuals, including the warehouse owner, were detained for questioning.

Dozens Hospitalised Across the Area

Patients were admitted to multiple hospitals in and around Greater Noida West. While some were discharged after initial treatment, several—including children and senior citizens—remain under observation. Hospital officials confirmed that most patients arrived late Sunday night with symptoms consistent with food poisoning.

Source Traced to a Single Manufacturer

Food safety officials traced the contaminated batch to a manufacturing unit in Chipyana Buzurg village. The supplier, HD Spices, held a valid licence from the Ghaziabad food department. Residents had purchased the flour through quick-delivery apps as well as local grocery and ration shops. Inspection teams collected samples from retail outlets, the warehouse, and the manufacturing unit. Authorities sealed the facilities after detecting irregularities.

Officials have sent the collected samples for laboratory analysis. They will determine whether bacterial contamination, fungal toxins, or adulteration caused the illness once test results are available.

Experts Warn About Storage Risks

Health experts noted that consumers use buckwheat flour mainly during fasting seasons, which often leads to prolonged storage. Poor storage conditions can compromise quality and increase contamination risks. They advised consumers to buy whole buckwheat seeds and grind them fresh to reduce the chances of spoilage. Authorities have said they will take further action based on laboratory findings.

Source:  The Times of India