Death caused by eating candy suspected of containing pesticides.

At least 23 people have died and many more have been hospitalized after eating poisoned candy in central Pakistan, local police said.

Illustrative image. (Source: brownstoner.com)

According to AFP, on April 17, Umar Hayat, a resident of Karor Lal Esan area in Punjab province, bought candy from a confectionery shop to share with friends and family to celebrate the birth of his grandson.

However, the joyful, lively party suddenly turned into a tragedy when 10 people died unexpectedly that same day. The death toll later rose to 23, and 52 others were still being treated in hospitals. Among the deceased victims was the father of the newborn child.

The tragedy was caused by people eating poisoned candy.

According to local police officer Rameez Bukhari, they arrested three people immediately after the incident: two brothers who owned the confectionery shop and a worker at the shop.

Police suspect that workers at the confectionery shop may have inadvertently allowed pesticides to contaminate candy ingredients because a nearby pesticide shop was undergoing renovations.

"There's a pesticide shop nearby that's under renovation, and the owner stored the pesticides at the bakery," said Officer Bukhari.

The final conclusion on the matter has not yet been announced.

Pakistan has poor food safety and hygiene standards, and hygiene laws are rarely enforced.

According to TPO