A suspected food poisoning incident in Bihar's Gopalganj district left 12 members of a single family — including 10 children — ill after they consumed 'Fensa', a traditional dish prepared from colostrum, on Wednesday night. All patients are currently out of danger and recovering under medical supervision, according to treating doctors.

How the Incident Unfolded

The episode originated in Kritpura village, under the jurisdiction of Baikunthpur police station. A cow belonging to local resident Anil Sahani had recently calved, and the family prepared Fensa — made from colostrum, the nutrient-rich milk produced immediately after a cow gives birth — to mark the occasion. The dish was also shared with neighbouring families.

Shortly after consuming the meal, several family members developed symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea, prompting them to seek emergency medical care. The affected individuals were first taken to the Baikunthpur Community Health Centre, and later referred to Sadar Hospital for specialised treatment.

Who Was Affected

Among those hospitalised are Priya Kumari, Simran Kumari, Priyanshu Kumari, Rishabh Kumar, Abhiraj Kumar, Monalisa Kumari, Hritik Kumar, Atul Kumar, Manisha Devi, and Rajanti Devi, according to local reports. The majority of those affected are children, raising concern about the vulnerability of younger patients to foodborne illness.

What the Doctors Said

The patients were treated under the supervision of Dr Pankaj Kumar, who credited prompt medical intervention for the steady improvement in their condition. 'We have informed the office of the district civil surgeon and also the health department of Bihar. All 12 patients are under close observation of doctors and are in the stage of recovery,' he said.

While treating physicians consider consumption of Fensa the likely cause in this instance, they noted that such incidents can stem from multiple factors — including improper preparation, storage, or contamination — rather than the dish itself being inherently harmful.

Health Advisory and Context

Doctors have advised residents to exercise caution when preparing or consuming dishes made from colostrum, particularly during the humid monsoon season, when food contamination risks are reportedly higher. They also urged people to avoid consuming stale food in general.

This comes amid recurring reports of foodborne illness across Bihar during the monsoon months, when heat and humidity accelerate bacterial growth in traditionally prepared foods. The patients continue to be monitored as a precaution, and health authorities have been notified.