Two women die, six in critical condition after consuming mango kernel dishes in Odisha
Bhubaneswar, Nov. 1: Two women have died, and six others are in critical condition after allegedly consuming dishes made from mango kernels in Odisha’s Kandhamal district. The incident occurred in Mandipanka village under the Daringbadi block.
Despite government-provided rations, many tribal communities in the area continue to include mango kernels and bamboo flowers in their diet as part of their traditional food practices.
According to reports, the women experienced severe stomach pain and discomfort after consuming the mango kernel dishes. Initially treated at the local Godapur Community Health Centre (CHC), they were later transferred to the MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur when their conditions worsened.
Tragically, one of the women died while receiving treatment, and a young girl passed away en route to MKCG. While doctors have yet to confirm the exact cause of death, locals suspect food poisoning linked to the consumption of mango kernel dishes.
Kumari Mallick, the Sarpanch of Gadapur Gram Panchayat, noted, “Though people here are covered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and receive rice as per law, they continue to consume mango kernel and bamboo flowers to preserve their traditional food practices. Some have stopped eating mango kernels, but others still enjoy dishes like mango kernel pudding and mango kernel custard as part of our cultural heritage.”
Community members explain that mango kernel dishes can become toxic if not consumed fresh, especially if stored in unhygienic conditions.
Consumption of mango kernel a traditional food practice
“Some people say that due to limited resources for buying vegetables and other essentials, locals in South Odisha rely on forest produce like grasses, mushrooms, pulses, and mango kernels. However, this isn’t entirely accurate. Our forefathers traditionally consumed these forest foods, but unexpected health issues arise when people today don’t prepare or consume them properly,” a relative of a patient undergoing treatment at MKCG Medical College and Hospital explained to reporters on Friday.
Sources said the state government asked the Kandhamal district administration to conduct a probe into the incident and submit a report to it.
-DC
