Unmasking the Perils of Festive Fasting: A Clinical and Legal Insight into Buckwheat Poisoning During Janmashtami
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48165/iijfmt.2024.2.2.7Keywords:
Buckwheat poisoning, Janmashtami fasting, Clinical epidemiology, Severity predictors, Biochemical markers, Medicolegal implications, Food safetyAbstract
During the Hindu festival of Janmashtami, many people fast and consume buckwheat
flour (kuttu ka atta) as a gluten-free substitute. However, incidents of buckwheat
poisoning have surfaced, raising concerns regarding its safety during fasting. This
study aimed to investigate the clinical and epidemiological characteristics, identify
predictors of severity, evaluate biochemical markers, and examine the medicolegal
implications of buckwheat poisoning associated with Janmashtami fasting.
A retrospective review was conducted of 110 patients admitted with suspected
buckwheat poisoning at a tertiary care teaching hospital. Data on demographics,
clinical symptoms, severity factors, and biochemical parameters were collected,
followed by analysis. The study also explored medicolegal dimensions to understand
the broader impact of these poisoning cases.
The findings revealed that most patients were adult males from lower socioeconomic
groups. The most common symptoms observed were gastrointestinal issues,
respiratory problems, and neurological disturbances. Factors predicting the severity
of poisoning were identified, including the amount of buckwheat consumed, existing
health conditions, and delays in seeking medical care. Biochemical analysis revealed
elevated levels of markers corresponding to the severity of symptoms. Medicolegal
analysis pointed to shortcomings in food safety regulations, labelling, and public
awareness, suggesting potential legal liabilities for food vendors and producers.
Buckwheat poisoning during Janmashtami fasting presents a notable health risk,
necessitating public health measures and stricter food safety standards. Healthcare
providers should be particularly alert during fasting periods, and public awareness
campaigns are essential to prevent future cases. Medicolegal considerations highlight
the need for robust food safety legislation and improved consumer education to
safeguard the public health.
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