PIONEER NEWS SERVICE | Dehradun
Many local residents have voiced concerns as well as fear about consuming buckwheat flour during the upcoming Navratri celebration. This apprehension arose following an incident in which nearly 150 individuals became ill in the provisional state capital, Dehradun, after ingesting buckwheat flour (kuttu atta).
The event took place on Sunday night and patients reported symptoms of food poisoning at the Government Doon Medical College (GDMC) and the Deen Dayal Upadhyay District Hospital. Currently, around 47 patients are receiving care at GDMC, while over 90 others are being treated at the district hospital.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Health Minister Dhan Singh Rawat and other officials have also visited the district hospital to evaluate the situation. In light of these events, it has been noted that many local shop owners have since removed buckwheat flour from their shops.
Local resident Pooja said that instances of food adulteration have been reported every few years during the festival season. The recent case involving adulterated buckwheat flour has raised significant concerns among residents like them. As a result, they have resolved to avoid consuming buckwheat flour, not just during this Navratri but also in the future. She stressed the importance of authorities taking action against the rising incidents of food adulteration.
Many other local residents have voiced their apprehensions about consuming buckwheat flour in the near future, particularly during Navratri. In response to the recent incident, several shop owners have also discontinued selling the flour in their stores.
In light of this situation, shop owner Cheenu (name changed) stated that after hearing about the incident, he has ceased selling buckwheat flour, not just for his own safety but also for the well-being of local residents. He said that he usually purchases this flour from wholesalers and is unaware of the source from which these wholesalers obtain it. To mitigate any potential risks, he has decided not only to stop selling buckwheat flour this year but also to refrain from offering it in the future.
Conversely, several other shop owners have expressed confidence in their ability to sell wholesome buckwheat flour, as they do not source it from different cities but grind it themselves in a clean and hygienic manner. In relation to this matter, the medical superintendent at Deen Dayal Upadhyaya District Hospital Dr VS Chauhan, who is also a physician, said that the recent issues with buckwheat flour could be attributed to various factors, including food adulteration, outdated flour and difficulties in digestion. He said that this particular flour is challenging to digest and consuming it during fasting periods has led some individuals to experience symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea. In light of the recent incident, individuals are encouraged to take certain precautions. This includes verifying the expiry date before purchasing buckwheat flour, thoroughly inspecting the flour for any signs of fungal infection and consuming it in moderation during fasting periods. He further stressed the importance of minimising the intake of buckwheat flour during Navratri whenever possible.
