More than 200 people fall sick after consuming ‘dahi bara’ in Odisha

Kakatpur: Over 200 people have reportedly fallen ill after consuming ‘ dahi bara ’ sold by a street vendor across several villages under Bangurigaan panchayat of Puri district. According to reports, a ‘dahi bara’ seller had been visiting villages in the area to sell the snack. People from around five to six villages, including Tentulia, Bangurigaan, Srichandrapur and Anandabazar, reportedly purchased and consumed the food. Within a few hours of eating the ‘dahi bara’, several people began complaining of symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea and fever. A large number of affected people subsequently reached the Bangurigaan Community Health Centre for treatment. More than 200 patients have reportedly received treatment at the health centre so far, while several others are still arriving with similar complaints. Residents have raised concerns over the quality and safety of food being sold by roadside vendors and small eateries in rural areas of Kakatpur and Astaranga. They alleged food safety officials do not conduct regular inspections of such establishments to check whether food items are fresh and fit for consumption. Locals also alleged food-quality checks are largely confined to urban areas, while villages often remain outside the regular inspection network. They have urged the authorities to strengthen food safety inspections and take appropriate action against vendors found violating food safety norms.