Udhampur DC sets up probe panel in food poisoning case

Our Correspondent

Jammu, August 4
With over 85 people admitted to the GMC Hospital due to food poisoning in Udhampur village, out of which two children later died, the district administration has set up an inquiry committee to determine the exact cause of the incident.
According to an official, Udhampur Deputy Commissioner Saloni Rai has constituted an inquiry committee under the chairmanship of Ramnagar Tehsildar. The committee will submit the factual report within two days.
Further, Ramnagar SDM Rafiq Ahmed Jaral along with the committee members visited the affected villages to inquire into the incident. They also visited the houses of deceased, who allegedly died due to food poisoning.
“The investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the food contamination. The administration has assured the public that stringent measures will be implemented to prevent such incidents in the future and ensure the safety of food served at public gatherings. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of food safety and hygiene, particularly during large gatherings,” the official statement reads.

86 fell ill after wedding feast

• As many as 86 people had complained of acute gastroenteritis, including symptoms of loose motions and severe vomiting. Two kids died later
• They had attended a wedding ceremony on Friday and later symptoms of food poisoning started developing in almost all those who consumed food
• Udhampur DC Saloni Rai has constituted an inquiry committee which will submit the factual report within two days

The incident took place at Satyalta villages of Ghordi block on July 31. As many as 86 complaints of acute gastroenteritis, including symptoms of loose motions and severe vomiting, were recorded and victims admitted to hospital.
“The district administration acted swiftly, attending to all affected patients at GMC Hospital. Unfortunately, two patient arrived in a critical condition with unrecordable vitals. Despite receiving CPR and consultations with paediatric, these patients could not be revived and were declared dead,” the statement read.
Subsequently, the numbers swelled up in hospital with similar symptoms. These patients were examined and admitted to the emergency ward. All are responding well to treatment and are in stable state. Two patients have been referred to GMC, Jammu.
They all had attended a wedding party on the intervening night of July 31 and later symptoms of food poisoning started developing in almost all those who consumed food at the wedding.
“In response to the incident, a dedicated OPD was conducted for patients from Satyalta, Bermeen, Ghordi and Ramnagar, who attended the wedding function. 43 reported to the OPD with 12 being admitted for further treatment. The rest were prescribed oral medications for respective symptoms,” the statement read.
The district administration has established a dedicated helpline for free registration and counter for distribution of free medicines for any such case.