Bangladesh: Over 100 Individuals Hospitalized Due to Contaminated Street Food
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Synopsis
On April 2, over 100 individuals, including children, were hospitalized in Dhaka, Bangladesh, after consuming contaminated street food during an Eid fair. This alarming incident raises serious concerns regarding the country's food safety standards.
Key Takeaways
- Over 100 individuals fell ill after eating contaminated food.
- 95 were hospitalized in Jessore.
- Symptoms included vomiting and fever.
- Authorities are searching for the fleeing vendor.
- The incident highlights declining food safety standards.
Dhaka, April 2 (NationPress) More than 100 individuals, including children, in Bangladesh, experienced severe illness after consuming contaminated street food at an Eid fair, highlighting the alarming decline in food safety standards within the South Asian country.
A total of 95 patients were hospitalized in Abhaynagar Upazila of Jessore, while 10 others were transferred to Khulna Medical College Hospital due to their critical condition. Reports indicate that the vendor has fled the scene following the incident, according to local media.
One patient recounted, "We all began feeling unwell after returning home that night. We were taken to the hospital on Tuesday morning," as reported by the prominent daily, Prothom Alo.
Dr. Raghuram Chandra, who was on duty, stated that the ailments were caused by bacteria present in the food. Most affected individuals reported symptoms such as stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever.
“My whole family attended the Eid fair on Monday night and consumed 'fuchka' from that vendor. Everyone fell ill after we returned home at night. I did not eat 'fuchka' but took everyone to the hospital that night. Since four family members were in critical condition, I transferred them to Khulna Medical College Hospital,” a relative of one victim explained.
Authorities confirmed their awareness of the situation and are actively searching for the fuchka vendor. Abdul Alim, the officer-in-charge of Abhaynagar Police Station, stated, "We are aware of the incident and are on the lookout for the vendor."
This incident has sparked concerns regarding food safety standards in Bangladesh. Recent reports from local media have indicated that the increasing prevalence of substandard products poses a significant threat to public health.
The absence of Muhammad Yunus has led to governmental intervention, which has facilitated the rise of selling substandard goods for profit.
According to a report from The Daily Star, the current state of food safety in Bangladesh is troubling, as various studies have uncovered hazardous chemicals in numerous food items, including vegetables, fruits, fish, poultry, milk, and more.
