Following reports of illness among participants at a programme organised at the Cluster Level Federation (CLF) in Dasda block on 2nd November, the Food Safety Officer of the Health and Family Welfare Department, North District, conducted an investigation on 3rd and 4th November.

According to the Officer-in-Charge of Dasda Primary Health Centre, a total of 12 people sought medical treatment for gastrointestinal symptoms, including stomach-related problems. All patients recovered and were discharged. No deaths or other complications were reported. During the investigation, food suppliers were inspected to assess compliance with food safety regulations and hygiene standards.

Necessary corrective instructions were issued to the concerned food business operators. Preventive inspections were also conducted at nearby food establishments. During these inspections, 67 packets of expired food items worth approximately 5,000 were seized.

According to the investigation, around 350 people attended the programme, of whom 12 fell ill. The affected individuals reportedly consumed food at home either before or after sunset following the programme. Symptoms appeared a few hours after eating. The first patient was admitted to hospital at around 8:30 pm on 2nd November. However, no preserved food samples from the programme were available for laboratory testing. Therefore, the exact cause of the illness could not be established.

The Food Safety Department stated that regular monitoring, inspections and necessary legal action would continue to ensure public health and food safety. This information was released by the Health Department.