160 people hospitalized after consuming Kuttu ka atta in Meerut; easy tips to ensure safety

Over 160 people were hospitalized in Meerut after eating contaminated Kuttu ka atta (buckwheat flour). The mass hospitalization happened when people complained about sudden food poisoning, vomiting, and diarrhea, and the affected people were admitted to the district hospital. As per a leading digital daily, it was mentioned that some patients are still in a critical condition. Here’s all you need to know about this unfortunate news.

Festivals and adulteration
This is not the first time adulteration in food has led to mass food poisoning and illness. Unfortunately, adulteration in food ingredients, sweets, snacks, oil or flour is an usual affair around the festive season, but over the years this practice has taken a toll on the health and also led to several serious health concerns; one such incident is this one.


Actions taken?
As per the digital daily, authorities suspect that the flour may have been adulterated, which led to massive food poisoning. Even adulteration of buckwheat flour has emerged in the past, raising concerns about food safety and quality in the region. Well, if you too are relying on buckwheat flour for your dose of nutrition during the 9-day long Navratri fasts, then here are some simple tips to ensure its quality and avoid such incidents.

What is buckwheat flour?
Traditionally, buckwheat flour, also known as ‘kuttu ka atta', is used for making rotis, puris and other dishes when people fast for religious or health reasons. This flour has a warm potency, which helps in adapting to the seasonal change that happens during Navratri.

Why is buckwheat called a superfood?
Buckwheat is considered a superfood for its nutritional value. This is because it is classified as a fruit and can be used in various ways, such as making puris and pakodas during fasts. In fact, buckwheat flour is an excellent source of protein, which has approximately 15 grams of protein per 100 grams. It also contains a good amount of carbohydrates and fiber, which makes it a great addition to the daily diet. What’s more, buckwheat flour contains alpha-linolenic acid, which may help in controlling bad cholesterol and better regulation of blood sugar due to its low glycemic index and low calories for better health and weight management.

Tips to ensure the quality and purity of buckwheat flour
Here are some simple things to keep in mind before buying or consuming buckwheat flour:

Check Certifications
Before buying buckwheat flour, make sure that you look for labels such as organic, gluten-free, or non-GMO. This is because these labels indicate strict quality control and use of high-quality flour.

Check Packaging
Another important thing to keep in mind is to ensure that the packaging is intact and is free from any signs of tampering or damage. Proper sealing helps maintain freshness and purity.

Examine the flour
Pure buckwheat flour should have a consistent, fine texture and a light brown color. Avoid any flour with an off-color or unusual clumps.

Conduct Test
To check its purity at home, just conduct a small test by mixing a small amount of flour with water. Pure buckwheat flour should not leave significant residue or unusual particles after settling.If it does so, then you must replace the flour.

Store Properly
Keep the flour in a cool, dry place, preferably in an airtight container, to prevent contamination and spoilage. Always look at the expiration date to ensure you're buying fresh flour, as older flour may degrade in quality.