Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu) [India], January 6 (HBTV): More than 30 students fell ill after consuming the mid-day meal at Odakkalpalayam Government Middle School near Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu and were admitted to various hospitals for treatment, officials said.
The incident occurred on Sunday at the school, which falls under the Sultanpet Union. Shortly after eating the meal served at the school, around 33 students complained of vomiting and severe stomach pain.
The affected students were immediately rushed to private hospitals in Sultanpet and nearby areas. According to officials, some students are undergoing treatment at Aram Hospital in Sultanpet, while others have been admitted to Purushothaman Hospital and Royal Care Hospital in Senjeri Malai.
Following the incident, the Sultanpet Block Development Officer visited the school and conducted an inquiry. Orders have been issued to inspect the quality of the mid-day meal, and the Sultanpet police have launched an investigation.
The incident has caused shock and tension in the locality, as more than 30 students from a single school were affected by a suspected food-related illness.
Meanwhile, a similar incident was reported earlier in December from Karnataka, where a video showing worms in children’s lunch at Old Ningapura Government School in Koppal taluk went viral. School authorities said the rice was supplied under the Akshara Dasoha scheme and was likely stored for an extended period.
Parents and students raised concerns over the health and hygiene of mid-day meals after dead worms were found in the cooked rice. The students reportedly discarded the food and informed school staff and parents, alleging negligence by the meal staff.
Chairman of the school development committee Hanumanthappa Hatti said, ‘This matter has come to our attention. I have called the cooks and advised them to wash and cook the rice thoroughly. If there are worms, they should be informed and replaced. However, since the Akshara Dasoha officials distribute rice that has been stored in stock, the children have to eat such cooked meals.’
The incidents have renewed concerns over food safety and monitoring of the mid-day meal scheme in government schools. (ANI)