Gujarat Horror: Food Poisoning At Wedding Leaves Over 400 Hospitalised In Dahod

Dahod: A massive food poisoning outbreak at a wedding ceremony in Gujarat's Dahod district has made over 400 guests fall ill, prompting health authorities to be on high alert.

The incident is the latest in a series of similar cases reported across the state, prompting a crackdown by the Food and Drug Control Administration (FDCA).

Chaos at the Celebration

The incident occurred late Sunday night in a village within the Dahod area. Shortly after consuming the wedding feast, guests began complaining of severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and dizziness. 

As the number of affected individuals surged into the hundreds, local private clinics and government community health centres were overwhelmed.

While most patients were discharged after primary treatment, nearly 40 individuals, including several children, remain under observation. 

Preliminary investigations suggest a milk-based dessert or contaminated water used in food preparation may be the primary culprit.

Growing State-Wide Pattern

Over the past week, Gujarat has seen a worrying spike in food-borne illnesses linked to public gatherings and local eateries:

Mehsana: 60 people were hospitalised after consuming "Farali" (fasting) food at a local temple.

Surat: A cluster of 25 students reported food poisoning symptoms after eating at a hostel mess.

Ahmedabad: Several families reported illness after consuming sweets from a popular local franchise.

The back-to-back incidents have raised serious concerns about food storage and hygiene standards during the peak summer wedding season, where high temperatures accelerate the spoilage of perishable items such as mawa, cream, and paneer.

In response to the mounting cases, the Gujarat government has ordered a state-wide inspection drive. FDCA teams have begun collecting samples from caterers and sweet shops across major districts.

Health Advisory

Medical experts are urging the public to be cautious when attending large social gatherings. 

Recommendations include avoiding raw salads, ensuring water is from a sealed or purified source, and being wary of dairy products that do not appear fresh. 

As the state continues to grapple with rising temperatures, the health department has warned that strict legal action will be taken against vendors and caterers found violating safety protocols.