Bhubaneswar: State Health Department today said that food poisoning is the reason behind the deaths of two women and the illness of six others at Mandipanka village in the Daringbadi block of Kandhamal district. However, the source of food poisoning is yet to be identified.
At least two women died and six others fell seriously after allegedly consuming gruel made of mango kernel at Mandipanka village in the Kandhamal on Thursday.
Speaking to media persons about the incident, Director Health Services, Bijay Mohapatra today said the preliminary findings of the health team sent to the village showed that the incident was caused by food poisoning.
He, however, made it clear by saying “food and drink samples have been sent to the food safety agency for testing. The report is expected within 72 hours, after which the actual cause of death will be clear. The ailing persons are still being treated.”
Expressing concern over the incident, the Health Department had ordered a probe into the incident.
Meanwhile, Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandar Patra has also rejected the allegations that the deceased and under treatment persons are not getting rice from the State government.
Shri Patra said all the people have been covered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and receiving their entitlements, he added.
According to the villagers, the people had prepared gruel from mango seeds and ate it.
While a woman died at community health center, Mohana in Gajapati district on Thursday night, another one succumbed to her illness on the way to the MKCG Medical College and Hospital on Friday morning, said sources.