A wedding celebration in Lahore turned into a nightmare when more than 360 guests suffered from food poisoning due to substandard food. The incident occurred at a private marquee in Satukatla, where Sarfaraz, a resident of the Khayaban Amin area, had booked the venue for his wedding ceremony.
Wedding Celebration Turns into a Medical Emergency
The joyous occasion quickly turned tragic as hundreds of guests started experiencing severe stomach issues after consuming the food served at the event. Reports confirm that over 200 people fell seriously ill, requiring immediate medical attention. Several guests had to be rushed to different hospitals across the city, with some cases being critical.
Critical Patients in Hospitals
Among the affected individuals, nine were admitted to General Hospital in critical condition, where doctors are providing intensive care. Additionally, 27 people were transferred to Raiwind Indus Hospital, also in serious condition. Medical professionals have confirmed that the symptoms include severe vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and abdominal pain.
Allegations Against the Marquee Administration
Sarfaraz, the groom, has accused the marquee administration of providing low-quality and unhygienic food, which led to the mass food poisoning incident. According to him, the food served at the wedding was spoiled and unfit for consumption, causing widespread illness among the guests. Several other attendees have echoed similar complaints, raising concerns over the food safety measures at wedding venues in Lahore.
Local Authorities Launch Investigation
Following the incident, the local administration has taken immediate notice and launched an investigation into the matter. Authorities have indicated that strict action will be taken against those responsible, including the marquee owners and catering service providers.
Food safety officials have been dispatched to collect samples of the food served at the event, and initial reports suggest that poor storage conditions and improper hygiene practices may have contributed to the contamination. If found guilty, the marquee administration could face heavy fines, suspension of operations, or even legal action.
Food Safety Concerns in Lahore
This unfortunate incident has once again highlighted the growing concerns over food safety and hygiene standards at public gatherings in Lahore. Foodborne illnesses have been a recurring issue in Pakistan due to poor regulatory enforcement, lack of food inspections, and inadequate training for food handlers.
Experts urge wedding venues and catering companies to adhere to strict food safety guidelines to prevent similar incidents in the future. Proper refrigeration, hygienic food preparation, and regular health inspections are crucial in ensuring safe consumption for large gatherings.
Calls for Stricter Regulations
Health experts and civil society members are calling for stricter regulations and monitoring of food establishments, especially those catering to large events. The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) has been urged to increase inspections and enforce stringent hygiene standards for wedding marquees, restaurants, and catering services.
Citizens are also advised to remain vigilant while selecting venues and caterers for their events. It is recommended that customers review food safety certifications, conduct personal inspections, and seek feedback from previous clients to avoid such mishaps.
What was meant to be a night of joy and celebration turned into a distressing medical emergency for hundreds of people in Lahore. With several guests still undergoing treatment, the incident serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for better food safety regulations in Pakistan. The affected families now seek justice, while the authorities must ensure that such negligence does not occur in the future.
The investigation remains ongoing, and more details are expected to emerge in the coming days. Meanwhile, the public is eagerly awaiting the administration’s response and the steps they will take to prevent similar tragedies from happening again.
