Key Update

More than 100 people, including several women and children, fell ill in Gomta village of Wadhwan, Surendranagar district, Gujarat, on Saturday night after consuming buttermilk (chhas) served during a Vastu Puja (house-warming) ceremony. Resident Mahesh Patel hosted the event to mark the completion of his new house, which around 600 people. Soon after the meal, many guests began experiencing vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, stomach pain, and leg cramps.

Swift Medical Response and Ongoing Investigation

Medical teams and local authorities quickly reached the village after the incident. They provided first aid and arranged transport for the affected individuals. Initially, doctors treated patients at nearby private clinics, but as their condition worsened, they shifted them to Gandhi Hospital in Surendranagar, RR Hospital in Limbdi, and other government facilities for further care. Six medical teams remained on standby to ensure that all patients received immediate treatment in the village.

Health officials collected buttermilk samples and sent them for laboratory testing to trace the source of contamination. The district Health Department opened an inquiry and continues to track the recovery of the patients. Officials confirmed that all affected residents remain stable and under proper medical supervision.

Government Tightens Food Safety Measures

The Gujarat government strengthened its food safety measures after the incident. It intensified inspections, tightened enforcement, and promoted hygiene awareness to prevent similar cases. According to the Food and Drug Control Administration (FDCA), officials tested about 60,448 food samples across Gujarat in 2024–25. They found 1.45 per cent of the samples substandard and 0.17 per cent unsafe for consumption.

Under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, the FDCA filed 980 adjudication cases, resolved 864, and imposed fines worth ₹6.21 crore. Another 87 court cases resulted in additional penalties of ₹0.54 crore.

Ongoing Raids and Awareness Drives

The FDCA continues to conduct statewide raids to seize adulterated food and penalise offenders. Health officials regularly organise awareness drives on safe food handling, focusing on community gatherings and large public feasts.

Source: Mathrubhumi