Artificial Sweetener Found in Cake Linked to Punjab Girl’s Tragic Death

On March 24, a cake consumed by a 10-year-old girl in Punjab led to her tragic death. Officials have confirmed that the chocolate cake ordered online from a bakery in Patiala to celebrate her birthday contained a high concentration of an artificial sweetener.

Hours after celebrating with the cake, the entire family fell ill. The girls began vomiting, and the 10-year-old, identified as Manvi, complained of dryness in her mouth and feeling parched. Upon Manvi passing out, her family rushed her to a hospital where she was put on oxygen. Despite efforts to save her, she was declared dead shortly after arrival.

A cake sample was collected for testing, revealing a high amount of saccharine, a sweet-tasting synthetic compound. While small amounts of saccharine are permissible in food and drinks, elevated levels can cause rapid spikes in blood glucose levels.

District Health Officer, Dr. Vijay Jindal, confirmed the findings, emphasizing the potential dangers of high saccharine levels in food. He stated that action would be taken against the bakery, with a potential fine and an FIR already filed against the bakery’s owner.

The family alleged that the chocolate cake ordered from ‘Cake Kanha’ contained poisonous substances. A video circulating on social media shows Manvi joyfully cutting the cake with her family just hours before the tragic incident.

The incident serves as a grim reminder of the importance of food safety and the potential risks associated with high concentrations of artificial sweeteners in food products. Authorities are taking the necessary steps to investigate the bakery and ensure accountability.