19 ill after consuming kuttu atta

Adulterated kuttu atta continues to take toll on people as 19 more persons were hospitalised in Noida and Greater Noida after consuming the flour on Wednesday. HT reports.

Adulterated kuttu atta continues to take toll on people as 19 more persons were hospitalised in Noida and Greater Noida after consuming the flour on Wednesday.

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Five victims — Satyapal, Garima Devi, Malho Devi, Rachna, Gulabo Devi and Sunny — were admitted to the Shivalik Nursing Home in Noida. Two others were admitted to the Metro Hospital, said Dr Amit Saxena. The remaining 12 were rushed to a hospital in Greater Noida.

On Tuesday, about a dozen people fell ill and complained of symptoms like food poisoning in Greater Noida.

People observing fasts use the flour to make food items.

Similar cases have been reported from other UP towns. The UP state health department has ordered an investigation into the matter. “People should check the expiry date and must not purchase kuttu flour from open sacks,” an officer said.

In Noida, the food department has not been able to constitute a local health authority. So, sampling of food items cannot be conducted.

“The sampling conducted in and around Noida is not being processed under the prevention of food adulteration (PFA) Act because local officers don’t have technical expertise. They are prima facie taking action under the IPC, which cannot practically deal with health issues,” a senior official said.