Over 45 children fall ill after suspected food poisoning at religious event near Gujarat’s Bhuj

More than 45 children were hospitalised after allegedly suffering food poisoning during a religious feast organised in Madhapar near Bhuj in Gujarat's Kutch district, officials said.

The incident occurred in the Aishwarya Nagar area, where a religious function had been organised to mark the conclusion of the Adhik Maas observance.

According to officials, a community meal for children was arranged as part of the event, with more than 50 children from the locality participating and consuming prasad.

Shortly after the meal, several children complained of stomach pain, dizziness, vomiting, and diarrhoea, triggering panic among organisers and parents.

All the affected children were immediately shifted to the Government G K General Hospital in Bhuj through ambulances and private vehicles for treatment.

Preliminary inquiries suggest that the buttermilk served during the feast may have caused the illness.

Officials said a large quantity of curd had reportedly been procured from outside for preparing the buttermilk. It is suspected that the curd may have deteriorated due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures and humid weather conditions or may have been stale before use.

Hospital authorities said a special team of paediatric specialists was deployed to handle the situation and provide emergency medical care to the affected children.

According to doctors, all the children are currently in stable condition and out of danger due to timely medical intervention.

Health authorities have initiated an inquiry into the incident, and samples of the food items served at the event are expected to be examined to ascertain the exact cause of the suspected food poisoning.