Distribution of food kits to landslide victims should be stopped; Collector's directive to Meppadi panchayat

KALPETTA: The District Collector has directed the Meppadi panchayat authorities to stop the distribution of kits to the victims of the Mundakkai-Chooralmala landslide. The collector's action came in the wake of the complaint that worm-infested and stale foodgrains were distributed. The collector also directed the food safety department to inspect the food items in stock. It has been suggested that the food kit should be distributed only after verifying the quality and ensuring it.

Meanwhile, three children who consumed soybeans obtained from the food kit given to the victims of the disaster had complained of food poisoning. One child who complained of diarrhoea and vomiting was admitted to Vythiri Hospital. It is reported that no one has serious health issues. Relatives of the children complained that they had consumed the soyabean obtained from the kit and this was the reason for the food poisoning. According to the complaint, the kit was purchased on Wednesday and the food was prepared on Thursday and the health issues arose from that evening onwards.