Bhopal/Sehore, March 26 (NationPress) A significant incident of food poisoning has been reported, with over 80 individuals falling ill after they participated in a wedding banquet in a village located in Madhya Pradesh's Sehore district, as stated by officials this Thursday.

The Babadiya Noabad village in Ichhawar tehsil saw a festive wedding celebration transform into a distressing situation on Wednesday evening when the food provided to guests reportedly led to widespread food poisoning.

Approximately 80 attendees of the feast became unwell, sparking chaos, screams, and fear throughout the community. Eyewitnesses noted that symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, and intense abdominal pain appeared shortly after the meal was consumed by approximately 150-200 guests.

What began as a few complaints quickly grew as more guests displayed signs of discomfort. Within hours, the scenario escalated, overwhelming the previously tranquil rural environment.

By Wednesday night, the Ichhawar Community Health Centre was inundated with patients. Medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and paramedics, were urgently summoned. Two dedicated wards were established for food poisoning cases; however, the influx of patients resulted in insufficient beds, compelling many to receive care on stretchers or in corridors.

“We have admitted 80 individuals who consumed the tainted food exhibiting symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting. They have been treated, and most are expected to be discharged by Thursday evening,” remarked Dr. Sudhir Dehariya, Chief Medical Health Officer of Sehore, in an interview with IANS.

He refuted reports suggesting any guests were in critical condition, affirming that only 80 individuals were admitted to the Ichhawar health facility.

Older adults seemed to exhibit more severe reactions, raising concerns regarding the vulnerability of certain populations during such outbreaks. Villagers and relatives have pointed to the food quality, particularly alleging that Gulab Jamuns made from Mawa (condensed milk solids) were primarily responsible.

Many reported that their symptoms intensified after consuming these sweets, intensifying suspicions of either adulterated or expired Mawa being used in their preparation.

Such incidents are often rooted in poor sanitation, inferior ingredients, or improper storage during large community gatherings.

In response, teams from the Health and Food Departments quickly arrived at the location. “We have collected samples of the suspected food items and dispatched them to a laboratory for comprehensive analysis. The definitive cause—be it bacterial contamination, chemical adulteration, or expired ingredients—will only be determined once the test results are received,” stated Dr. Dehariya.