Saharsa: In a worrying incident, more than 150 schoolchildren fell ill after consuming a mid-day meal at a government middle school in Baluaha village under Saharsa district on Thursday.
According to district administration officials, the students began complaining of stomach pain, vomiting, dizziness, and uneasiness shortly after having their lunch. The situation quickly caused panic among teachers and school authorities, who rushed the affected children to nearby health facilities.
Initial treatment was provided at a primary health centre, while several students were later shifted to Saharsa Sadar Hospital and Mahishi Primary Health Centre for better medical care. Health officials said that a majority of the children are now stable and under observation.
District Magistrate Deepesh Kumar said that medical teams responded immediately and ensured timely treatment. He also added that there is no cause for panic as the children’s condition has been improving under supervision.
Some parents, however, alleged that a possible contamination in the food may have caused the illness. A few even claimed that an insect or a snake-like object was seen in the cooked food container before the meal was served, though officials have not confirmed this claim.
Authorities have collected food samples from the school kitchen and sent them for laboratory testing to determine the exact cause of the incident. A detailed investigation has been launched into the quality and hygiene of the mid-day meal served at the school.
Education and health department officials are also reviewing the supply chain and cooking process under the mid-day meal scheme to identify possible lapses.
This incident has once again raised serious concerns about food safety standards in government school meal programmes, which are meant to ensure nutrition for students across rural areas.
Further updates are expected once the lab reports and inquiry findings are released.
