Plastic plates turn feast into nightmare in Assam's Nagaon; several fall ill after community meal

What was meant to be a solemn community feast in memory of a deceased family member turned into a distressing incident in Assam's Nagaon district after suspected toxic plastic plates spoiled the food and allegedly made several guests ill.

The incident took place at Chutia Gaon village, where the family of the late Dhanti Bora had organised a traditional feast to mark the first death anniversary (Shraddha) of the deceased. Around 200 devotees and guests had been invited for the ceremonial meal.

According to the family, the problem emerged when the food served on disposable plastic plates developed a bitter taste, making it impossible for most guests to eat. As a result, a large quantity of food specially prepared for the occasion had to be discarded.

Several people who had already eaten from the plates reportedly fell ill, triggering panic among the family members and residents of the village.

Locals alleged that the disposable plastic plates had been purchased from a shop at Naba Bazar in Nagaon town and suspect that chemicals from the plates may have contaminated the food.

The unexpected incident has left the bereaved family deeply distressed, as the feast was organised as part of an important religious ritual for devotees and community members.

Following the incident, the family and villagers have decided to lodge a formal complaint at the Itachali Police Outpost against the shop from which the plastic plates were purchased.

The incident has also sparked concerns over the quality and safety of disposable food-grade products being sold in local markets. Authorities are expected to investigate whether the plastic plates met prescribed safety standards and whether they were responsible for the alleged contamination.

Further investigation is awaited.