Assam: 12 hospitalized in Tinsukia for food poisoning after consuming silkworm pupae

DIBRUGARH: At least 12 people were hospitalized in Tinsukia district of Assam on Friday (May 17) due to food poisoning caused by the consumption of silkworm pupae.

The victims, who belonged to Roborguri Sonowal village under Tinsu district of Assam, had consumed the delicacy, locally known as Polu, which led to severe health complications.

According to reports, the victims experienced headaches, nausea, vomiting, rashes, and allergies after consuming the silkworm pupae.

They were rushed to various hospitals, including the Phillobari Model Hospital, Doomdooma First Referral Unit, and the Tinsukia Civil Hospital, for emergency treatment.

Following the incident, health experts have advised people to exercise caution while consuming silkworm pupae and to ensure that they are fresh and properly cooked.

"Every year, we receive many cases of poisoning and allergies after eating silkworm pupae, requiring emergency treatment. The cause of silkworm pupae poisoning can be due to eating spoiled or chemically soaked silkworm pupae, or an anaphylactic reaction to the peptides contained in them," a health expert said.