More than 30 residents of Dedadra village were hospitalized following a food poisoning incident linked to ‘prasad’ consumed at a local event on the night of October 10.
Attendees reported severe symptoms, including vomiting and diarrhea, shortly after partaking in the offering during a Navratri celebration. In response, health officials promptly admitted affected individuals to several hospitals in the region, including those in Dedadra, Kothariya, Wadhwan, and the Civil Hospital in Surendranagar.
The local health department is currently investigating the situation and has collected samples of the ‘prasad’ for testing to identify the source of contamination. However, delays in treatment at the Civil Hospital led to significant distress among the families of those affected.
A source from Surendranagar noted, “There was a puja before the event, and over 60 people had gathered. It was disheartening to see the celebratory atmosphere turn serious as individuals rushed to hospitals.
Not all patients could be accommodated at one facility, so officials transferred them to nearby hospitals. They are also contacting those who prepared the prasad.
This incident has raised alarms regarding food safety at communal gatherings, prompting authorities to take preventive measures for future events. The health department has pledged to take further action based on the results of the ongoing investigations.
This recent outbreak follows a similar incident in September when over 100 people, including 30 children, fell ill after consuming a meal offered during Ganeshotsav celebrations in Elgin Society, Jamnagar.
In that case, attendees experienced symptoms shortly after enjoying a meal of rice, potatoes, and ‘modak’, leading to widespread panic.
Authorities are urging communities to prioritize food safety measures at public gatherings to prevent future health emergencies.
