Bhubaneswar: A suspected case of food poisoning was reported from Tentulia village under Bangurigaon Panchayat in Kakatpur in Puri, where over 50 people fell ill after consuming dahi bara from a street vendor.
According to reports, villagers had purchased the popular snack from a roadside stall on Tuesday morning. Hours later, by Tuesday night, many started showing symptoms of diarrhoea, vomiting and dizziness. The sudden spike in patients created panic in the village.
All affected were taken to Bangurigaon Community Health Centre (CHC), where they were treated by medical staff. Most patients were discharged after their condition stabilised.
Officials said no one required referral to a higher medical facility. The incident has brought the CHC’s preparedness under scanner. Locals alleged that the centre struggled to manage the rush due to shortage of doctors.
Health officials are yet to confirm the exact cause of the illness. It is not known whether the dahi bara was contaminated or if food samples have been sent for laboratory examination.
The episode has once again raised questions over food safety and hygiene standards of roadside eateries in rural areas.
