Telangana accounts for 1 in 6 food poisoning deaths in India: MCCD report
HYDERABAD: Telangana accounted for nearly one in every six food poisoning deaths in India in 2023, placing it among the worst-affected states, according to the latest Medically Certified Cause of Death (MCCD) report.
Of the 612 food poisoning deaths recorded nationwide, Telangana reported 108 the second-highest after Assam, which reported 190 deaths. Odisha recorded 56 deaths and Uttarakhand 23.
Health experts said the figures point to systemic lapses in food handling, storage and oversight, particularly at events where large groups are served.
“We see outbreaks linked to mass cooking during weddings, religious gatherings and in hostel kitchens, where food is prepared in large quantities and stored improperly,” said Dr Dasari Anusha, a senior gastroenterologist. “Bacterial contamination increases rapidly when cooked food is left at room temperature for long hours.”
Outbreaks linked to hostels, weddings, street food
Recent incidents across Telangana have underscored the risks. Students in government and private hostels fell ill after consuming contaminated meals. Wedding feasts and community events in districts such as Nalgonda, Sangareddy and Karimnagar have triggered mass hospitalisations.
Street food remains a concern. Several people reported vomiting and diarrhoea after consuming improperly handled fast food and juices, especially during peak summer months.
Doctors warned that delayed medical attention often turns a manageable illness into a life-threatening emergency.
“Many patients ignore early symptoms like nausea or loose motions, assuming it will pass. By the time they reach a hospital, dehydration and infection can become life-threatening, especially for children and the elderly,” said Dr Aditya Bapuji, a general physician in Banjara Hills.
Enforcement intensified; labs and teams to be strengthened
Food safety officials acknowledged the scale of the challenge and said enforcement has been stepped up through inspections and special drives covering hotels, hostels, bakeries and street vendors.
Inspections in Hyderabad, Warangal and other areas have led to seizures of adulterated milk, synthetic food colours, stale meat and unhygienically prepared snacks.
“We will be launching initiatives under the ‘Eat Right’ programme for schools and campuses. Officers have been instructed to adopt at least one institution each to promote safe and hygienic food practices. Public spaces such as metro stations are also being brought under the programme,” a senior official of the food safety department said.
The official added that the state plans to strengthen food testing laboratories, expand rapid response teams to investigate outbreaks and intensify public awareness campaigns.
“Licensing compliance, hygiene audits and training of food handlers will be strictly enforced,” the official said.
In districts, the department is conducting food business operator melas to educate small vendors on hygiene and food safety norms. “Training programmes have been organised and postings streamlined to ensure that each district has at least one food safety officer and one designated officer, in line with the Food Safety and Standards Act,” the official added.
Doctors stressed that public vigilance is equally critical. Avoiding food from unhygienic sources and seeking medical help at the first sign of illness can prevent fatalities.
