Rajgangpur: More than 200 residents of Lathupada village in Kutunia panchayat under this block in Sundargarh district have been affected by food poisoning. All are undergoing treatment at the Rajgangpur government hospital. They were taken ill after consuming food in a marriage feast, Friday.
Immediately after consumption of the food, people started complaining of severe stomach ache and were hit by incessant vomiting. Among those admitted, are 30 children. Sundargarh chief district medical officer (CDMO) Dr Dillip Sarangi visited the hospital to take stock of the situation.
Mangal Ekka had organised a feast on the occasion of his son’s marriage. A large number of people from Lathupada village and nearby areas attended the function. On their arrival during the day, they were offered snacks and cold drinks.
Immediately after consumption of the snacks, children and elders complained of stomach ache. A number of them suffered from loose motions and they started vomiting also.
As time passed, the number of affected people increased. All were rushed to the hospital and in the evening a headcount was taken. By then more than 200 persons including children were already undergoing treatment. Sources said, that some were undergoing treatment at private nursing homes and clinics also.
A team of doctors of headed by Dr Jagdish Chandra Toppo is treating the affected people at the hospital.
Adulteration of food ingredients is said to be the reason behind the people taking ill.
Locals alleged that selling of adulterated cooking oil and food ingredients is rampant in the Rajgangpur area and despite repeated complaints the administration and health department has not taken any steps to stop it. “Because of the callousness of the administration and health departments, so many people have been affected by food poisoning,” they alleged.
PNN