Eleven persons were taken seriously ill after consuming fritters allegedly prepared using contaminated all-purpose flour (maida) at Pippara village in Ganapavaram mandal in West Godavari district on Wednesday.

According to preliminary reports, the maida used for preparing the food had reportedly been stored for nearly a year in workers’ sheds at aqua farms and is suspected to have developed fungal contamination or mold. Officials said the food was prepared at homes for personal consumption and later shared among neighbours, clarifying that the incident was not linked to any commercial food outlet or catering activity.

Of the affected persons, five have been admitted to Imperial Hospital, another five are undergoing treatment at Bhimavaram Hospital, while a two-year-old boy was shifted to Varma Hospital. Hospital authorities said some patients remain in critical condition and are under intensive medical supervision.

Health department teams led by District Medical and Health Officer officials have been stationed at the hospitals and are continuously monitoring the condition of the victims. The person who prepared the food also reportedly fell ill after consuming it.

West Godavari District Collector Chadalavada Nagarani visited the hospitals and reviewed the treatment being provided to the patients. She directed officials to ensure round-the-clock monitoring and provide the best possible emergency medical care. Authorities have launched an inquiry into the incident and are investigating the exact cause of the suspected food contamination.