BAHAWALNAGAR: Up to 46 people were hospitalised after consuming contaminated food at a well-known eatery, Karachi Food Point, on Baldia Road.

According to an incident report from the Bahawalnagar District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital, the patients were admitted to the DHQ emergency ward from the night of Nov 29 to the evening of Nov 30. It further revealed that dozens more visited government and private hospitals seeking treatment for food poisoning.

Among those affected, 15 were women. Most patients received first aid and were discharged. However, six people, including children aged 5 to 13, were in critical condition and remained admitted to the paediatrics and emergency wards.

They included 5-year-old Ikram, 8-year-old Musa, 13-year-old Zainab, 18-year-old Asia, 25-year-old Ahmed and 29-year-old Saeed.

Medical Superintendent Dr Azhar Farooq confirmed that their condition had stabilised due to timely medical intervention but emphasised the need for continued treatment.

Health officials estimate that over 100 people were affected, though many opted for treatment at private facilities.

Sources alleged that the prevalence of substandard food stalls across the district, facilitated by negligence from the Punjab Food Authority, has contributed to an increase in such incidents.

In response, the Punjab Food Authority sealed Karachi Food Point and sent samples of suspicious items for laboratory testing. Officials assured that strict action would follow based on the lab results.

Published in Dawn, December 2nd, 2024