Several Fall Ill After Eating Biryani at CLF Annual Event, Probe Ordered

KANCHANPUR: Several Self-Help Group (SHG) workers, along with children, reportedly fell ill after consuming food served at the annual programme of the CLF organised under the Dasda RD Block, triggering concern across the Kanchanpur subdivision. The incident occurred after participants ate packaged dum biryani supplied by a restaurant in Kanchanpur town. Several affected persons had to be taken to a health centre for treatment. As of Tuesday, five people, including two children, were still undergoing treatment. The incident has raised questions over food quality and the arrangements made for its supply.

According to reports, the annual programme of the Dargang CLF, under the Dasda Block, was organised at Dasda Town Hall on Monday. The event was coordinated by CLF representative Kanika Chakma. Following the programme, packaged dum biryani sourced from a restaurant named 'Abar Khabo' in Kanchanpur town was distributed among the participants. Soon after consuming the food, 10 SHG workers and four children accompanying them reportedly fell ill. As their condition deteriorated, several affected persons, including all four children, were taken to the Dasda Primary Health Centre on Monday night for treatment. While some subsequently recovered and returned home, five people, including two children, remained under medical observation as of Tuesday.

Meanwhile, CLF officials visited the health centre on Tuesday afternoon to enquire about the condition of the affected children and SHG workers. The incident has raised concerns over whether the quality of the food was properly checked and whether adequate precautions were followed during its preparation, packaging and supply. The circumstances leading to the illness of several participants, including children, at an event organised under a government block administration now require thorough examination.

When contacted, the Block Development Officer (BDO) of Dasda RD Block said that an investigation into the incident was underway. He stated that an inspection would be conducted at the restaurant in Kanchanpur from where the food had been procured. The Medical Officer of Dasda Primary Health Centre has also been asked to submit a report on the treatment provided to the affected persons on Wednesday. Further necessary action would be taken after receiving and examining the report, the BDO added.

However, beyond providing medical treatment, it is equally important to establish the actual cause of the incident. Collection and laboratory testing of food samples, along with a detailed examination of the entire food preparation and supply process, are necessary to determine whether any negligence or irregularity was involved. If any lapse is established, appropriate action must be taken against those responsible. Ensuring food safety at public programmes organised under government initiatives must remain a priority for the authorities concerned.