Multiple Families Hospitalised; Investigation Awaits Laboratory Confirmation.
PUNE: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the retail licence of Guru Nanak Dairy and issued a stop-work notice to its manufacturing facility following a suspected food poisoning incident linked to malai pedas sold by the establishment.
The action comes after members of three families residing in a housing society in Wadgaon Sheri allegedly fell ill shortly after consuming the sweets, prompting an investigation by the FDA and the Chandan Nagar Police.
According to affected residents, several individuals experienced symptoms including vomiting, diarrhoea, nausea and severe gastric distress within hours of consuming the pedas, which had been distributed during a vehicle puja ceremony.
Common Food Link Under Investigation
Families involved in the incident stated that all affected individuals had consumed meals prepared separately in their respective homes. However, the malai peda distributed during the religious ceremony was the only common food item consumed by all those who later developed symptoms.
Among the affected was 14-year-old Aarush, who reportedly required intensive medical care after his condition worsened.
His mother, Nalini Pachpute, said the family decided to formally report the matter to authorities after observing similar symptoms among multiple households.
“We all had food prepared at home. The only common item was the peda. We felt it was important to raise the issue because food safety affects everyone,” she said.
Several Victims Required ICU Care
The sweets had reportedly been purchased by resident Rahul Fadtare and distributed among friends and neighbours as part of a vehicle blessing ceremony.
Fadtare said three members of his family became ill approximately three hours after consuming the sweets.
“Everyone started experiencing nausea and vomiting within a short period. Family members required hospital treatment and remained under medical observation,” he said.
Another resident, Sandeep Veer, reported that his wife and nine-year-old son developed severe symptoms requiring hospitalisation.
“My wife and son suffered from intense vomiting and diarrhoea. Later, I also experienced similar symptoms. Medical reports indicated a bacterial infection,” Veer said.
His son was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) before recovering and being discharged.
Police and FDA Launch Joint Investigation
Assistant Police Inspector Ganesh Jagdale of Chandan Nagar Police Station confirmed that authorities immediately informed the FDA after receiving complaints from residents.
Statements from affected individuals have been recorded, and biological samples, including a patient’s vomit sample, have been sent for forensic examination.
“The FDA’s scientific findings will be crucial in determining the next course of action. Further legal proceedings, including registration of an FIR under relevant provisions, will depend on the laboratory report,” Jagdale said.
FDA Suspends Licence Pending Test Results
FDA Maharashtra officials confirmed that Guru Nanak Dairy’s retail licence has been suspended as a precautionary measure while investigations continue.
Syed Imran Hashmi, Assistant Commissioner (Food) and Designated Officer, FDA Maharashtra, said inspectors had already visited the manufacturing unit and collected samples for laboratory analysis.
“The retailer’s licence has been suspended based on the complaint received. Inspection of the manufacturing facility has been completed, and we are awaiting laboratory findings,” Hashmi said.
He added that the laboratory report is expected within the week.
Further Legal Action Possible
Officials stated that stronger regulatory and legal action could follow if scientific testing confirms that the product was unsafe for human consumption.
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“If laboratory analysis establishes that the food sample is unsafe, legal proceedings will be initiated in accordance with food safety laws,” Hashmi said.
Under the Food Safety and Standards Act, the sale of unsafe food products can attract penalties, licence cancellation, prosecution and imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offence and the resulting public health impact.
Public Health Concerns Highlighted
The incident has renewed concerns regarding food safety standards, hygiene practices and quality control measures in the dairy and confectionery sector.
For the affected families, the issue extends beyond medical treatment and financial costs. Several family members reportedly missed work while caring for hospitalised relatives and pursuing complaints with authorities.
Residents have urged authorities to ensure accountability if contamination is confirmed.
“This is not just about our families. Food safety is a public issue, and strict action should be taken if negligence is established,” said Nalini Pachpute.
With laboratory results expected shortly, both police and FDA officials have indicated that the next phase of the investigation will be guided by scientific evidence. The findings are likely to determine whether the incident was caused by bacterial contamination, improper handling practices, storage issues, or other food safety violations.
The case is being closely watched by consumers and food safety experts as an important test of regulatory enforcement and accountability within the dairy products sector.
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