Beware! Toddler hospitalized in Patiala after consuming expired chocolate; Health officials raid shop

A harrowing incident unfolded in Ludhiana, Punjab, as a one-and-a-half-year-old girl narrowly escaped death after ingesting expired chocolates allegedly given to her by relatives in Patiala. The distressing episode led to the toddler vomiting blood and necessitating her immediate hospitalisation.

Reports indicate that the girl, identified as Rabia and a resident of Ludhiana, accompanied her family to Patiala for a wedding. During their visit, Rabia received a gift box containing chocolates from her relative, Vicky Kumar, residing in Topkhana Mod, Patiala. Vicky mentioned purchasing the chocolate box from a local grocery store in Patiala and gifting it to the young girl.

1.5 yr old child from Ludhiana dies after consuming expiry chocolate. A few days ago, a girl from Patiala died after consuming cake.
Question: Is the food sampling department hibernating? pic.twitter.com/6S6gscz2bk

— Taruni Gandhi (@TaruniGandhi) April 20, 2024

Upon returning to Ludhiana, Rabia consumed the chocolates from the box, unaware of their expiration. Shortly after, she began vomiting blood, prompting her family to rush her to Christian Medical College for urgent medical attention.

Hospital's Assessment

Medical professionals at the hospital noted that Rabia's condition deteriorated due to ingesting a poisonous substance present in the expired chocolates. Concerned about the gravity of the situation, the girl's family took the matter to the police station and filed an official complaint.

Health Department's Response

In response to the incident, a team from the health department conducted a raid at the implicated grocery store. Samples of various products from the store were collected for investigation. The raid uncovered numerous expired items, including snacks, cold drinks, and other perishables. Authorities seized all expired products found during the raid, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.

Social Media Circulation

A video capturing the health department's raid at the grocery store quickly circulated on social media platforms, drawing attention to the need for stringent measures to prevent the sale of expired goods and safeguard public health.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by consuming expired products and underscores the importance of vigilance in food safety practices.