A joyous housewarming celebration in Ahmedabad's Jamalpur area descended into chaos and concern after dozens of guests were struck by a severe case of food poisoning. The incident, which occurred on Friday night, has prompted an immediate investigation by the city's health authorities.
Celebration Turns to Crisis
The dinner was organized by a resident of Gafur ni Chali at the local Community Hall to mark the purchase of a new home. The festive menu included non-vegetarian dishes and khichdi. However, the event took a serious turn shortly after attendees consumed the traditional sweet dessert, gajar no halwo (carrot halwa). Multiple people began reporting symptoms of illness, pointing to the sweet dish as the likely culprit.
Emergency Response and Hospitalizations
Emergency services were quickly mobilized to handle the sudden medical crisis. The situation was severe enough that six individuals required immediate transfer to the specialized Infectious Disease Hospital in Behrampura for advanced treatment. The remaining twenty-eight affected people received necessary medical care at a private hospital within Jamalpur itself.
Thanks to prompt medical intervention, thirty-three of the thirty-four patients have been successfully discharged. However, one individual's condition necessitated continued monitoring, and they remain admitted under medical observation.
Health Department Launches Probe
In swift response to the outbreak, Ahmedabad's health department dispatched a team to the Community Hall. Officials collected food samples from the site for analysis. These samples have been sealed and sent to a laboratory for comprehensive testing to definitively identify the source of contamination.
This investigation is a critical step to determine the exact cause—whether it was an ingredient, improper preparation, or storage—and to implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The event highlights the importance of stringent food safety practices, especially during large community gatherings.
