102 fall ill at Amethi fair, 17 hospitalised in suspected food poisoning
Synopsis
Over 100 fairgoers in Amethi's Kotwa village fell sick after eating fried snacks, with 17 — including 10 children — hospitalised at the State Medical College. The incident adds to a pattern of fair and institutional food poisoning cases across UP and Bihar, raising fresh questions about food safety at public gatherings.
Key Takeaways
102 people fell ill after consuming khasta food at a fair in Kotwa village, Amethi, Uttar Pradesh on 29 October 2026 .
17 people — including 10 children and 7 adults — were referred to the State Medical College, Tiloi for treatment.
On inspection, health officials found 39 children and 63 adults among those affected.
The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) personally supervised treatment at the site; the situation is reported to be under control .
A similar food poisoning incident was reported last month at Munger Engineering College, Patna , where over three dozen students fell ill.
Around 102 people fell ill after consuming 'khasta' food at a fair in Kotwa village, Amethi district, Uttar Pradesh, on 29 October 2026, in what authorities suspect is a case of food poisoning. Of those affected, 17 people — including 10 children and 7 adults — were referred to the State Medical College in Tiloi, Amethi, for further treatment.
What Happened at the Fair
The incident triggered panic in Kotwa village after fairgoers began complaining of vomiting and diarrhoea shortly after eating khasta, a fried snack commonly sold at local fairs. A health department team was dispatched to the site following a complaint from the village head.
On inspection, officials found 39 children and 63 adults among those who had taken ill. The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) personally reached the spot to supervise the medical examination and treatment of those affected.
Hospitalisation and Current Status
Considering the severity of symptoms in a subset of patients, 17 individuals — 10 children and 7 adults — were referred to the State Medical College, Tiloi. According to the CMO, the situation is now under control, and an investigation into the food source has been initiated.
A Recurring Pattern
This is not an isolated incident. Last month, a comparable episode was reported at Munger Engineering College in Patna, Bihar, where more than three dozen students reportedly developed symptoms of vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, and weakness. In that case, food poisoning was suspected to be linked to prasad prepared and distributed on the occasion of Vishwakarma Puja. An assistant professor and several staff members were also reportedly unwell. Most of those affected were discharged after receiving first aid and treatment at Sadar Hospital.
The recurrence of such incidents at public gatherings — fairs, religious celebrations, and institutional events — points to persistent gaps in food safety monitoring at temporary food stalls and community kitchens across Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
What Authorities Are Doing
The health department team in Amethi is investigating the matter and has collected samples for analysis, according to reports. The CMO's direct involvement signals that district authorities are treating the episode with urgency. No arrests or vendor action have been confirmed as of reporting.
Point of View
And enforcement is negligible during high-footfall events. The Amethi incident, coming weeks after the Munger Engineering College episode in Bihar, illustrates that neither state nor district health authorities have put a credible surveillance mechanism in place for mass-gathering food vendors. With children forming a significant share of the victims in Amethi, the urgency of pre-event food safety checks — not just post-incident response — deserves sharper official attention.
NationPress
29 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the food poisoning at the Amethi fair?
Authorities suspect the illness was caused by consuming 'khasta', a fried snack, sold at a fair in Kotwa village, Amethi, Uttar Pradesh on 29 October 2026. The health department has collected samples and launched an investigation, but the specific contaminant has not yet been confirmed.
How many people were hospitalised in the Amethi food poisoning case?
17 people — 10 children and 7 adults — were referred to the State Medical College in Tiloi, Amethi, due to the severity of their symptoms. A total of 102 people were found to be ill.
Who responded to the Amethi food poisoning incident?
A health department team was dispatched to Kotwa village after a complaint from the village head. The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) also personally reached the spot to supervise medical examination and treatment, and has stated that the situation is now under control.
Has a similar food poisoning incident happened before in the region?
Yes. Last month, more than three dozen students at Munger Engineering College in Patna, Bihar, reportedly fell ill with vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, and weakness, with food poisoning suspected to be linked to prasad distributed during Vishwakarma Puja. Most were discharged after treatment at Sadar Hospital.
What symptoms did the Amethi fair victims experience?
Those affected reported vomiting and diarrhoea, prompting a health department response. Of the 102 ill, 17 required hospital-level care due to the seriousness of their condition.
