Food Manifest 
Key Development
At least 175 people, most of them children, fell ill after consuming food at a Mahashivratri fair in Dwarka village under Panki police limits in Palamu district in Jharkhand. Health officials responded immediately after patients began reporting symptoms on Sunday night. Those affected developed vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain shortly after eating at the mela. Many cases were linked to golgappas sold at the fair, though authorities are examining all food items served at the venue.
Doctors Stabilise Patients
Medical teams admitted all affected individuals to the Panki Community Health Centre (CHC). Doctors administered ORS, IV fluids, and supportive care, stabilising most patients quickly. By the next day, doctors discharged the majority, and only 22 remained under observation. Officials confirmed that all patients are now out of danger. The health department deployed additional staff and ensured sufficient medicines and beds to manage the sudden influx of cases.
Authorities Launch Food Safety Investigation
Health officials have begun inspecting food stalls, collecting samples, and reviewing food preparation and storage practices at the fair. They will determine whether contaminated water, improper handling, poor storage, or microbial growth caused the outbreak once laboratory results are available. Temporary food stalls at large gatherings often operate without adequate handwashing facilities, safe water supply, refrigeration, or temperature control. When vendors ignore these safeguards, harmful bacteria can multiply rapidly and trigger mass illness.
Focus on Preventive Action
Authorities have pledged to take regulatory action after completing the investigation. The incident underscores the need for strict food safety checks, vendor monitoring, and safe food handling practices during public events to prevent similar outbreaks in the future.
Source: The Hindu
