Detergent Mix-Up in Mid-Day Meal: A serious food safety incident at a government school in Nalanda, Bihar has raised some doubts around how school meals are handled and monitored, especially after dozens of children fell ill after eating their mid-day meal.
This incident happened on Tuesday at Middle School, Parasi in the Noorsarai area of Nalanda district. Several reports claimed that detergent powder was allegedly used in place of salt in the preparation. The students who were affected reportedly showed symptoms like vomiting and dizziness and then they were taken to Biharsharif Sadar Hospital for treatment.
What Happened at the Bihar School?
According to the school’s principal, Shailendra Kumar Singh, the meal served that day consisted of rice with a soybean-based preparation. The meal was reportedly supplied through an NGO as part of the prescribed school meal programme.
After some students complained that the food lacked salt, detergent powder was allegedly mistaken for salt and added to the food. Reports said the containers of salt and detergent had been kept in the same area of the school kitchen.
Soon after eating, several children reportedly complained of dizziness and began vomiting. They were initially given first aid at the school before being shifted to Biharsharif Sadar Hospital when their condition did not improve.
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Detergent Mix-Up in Mid-Day Meal
The exact number reported has varied in initial accounts.The Indian Express reported that 34 children: 17 girls and 17 boys were taken to Biharsharif Sadar Hospital. NDTV reported that at least 36 girl students fell ill, while other reports described the number as more than two dozen.
Children Reportedly Out of Danger
The affected students were taken to Biharsharif Sadar Hospital, where they received medical attention.
Nalanda Civil Surgeon Dr Jai Prakash Singh visited the hospital and said the children were stable and out of danger, according to reports.
Bihar Rural Development Minister Shravan Kumar visited the hospital and met the affected students. He also spoke to doctors about their condition.
While the school authorities and several reports have attributed the incident to detergent allegedly being mistaken for salt, Nalanda’s District Education Officer Hemchandra said a detailed investigation was underway and that the actual cause would be established after medical reports were available.
