Bihar mid-day meal scare: Cook adds detergent in place of salt in food at Nalanda school, over 25 students taken ill

PTC Web Desk: At least 25 students fell ill after allegedly eating a mid-day meal at a government school in Bihar’s Nalanda district on Tuesday. The incident took place at Middle School in Parasi village under the Noorsarai police station area. The affected students were taken to Biharsharif Sadar Hospital for treatment.

Civil Surgeon Dr Jay Prakash Singh visited the hospital and reviewed the condition of the children. He said all the students were out of danger.

According to school officials, the mid-day meal served to the students consisted of soybean rice and was supplied by an NGO according to the prescribed menu. Some students had already eaten when others complained that the food did not have enough salt.

Local residents alleged that containers of salt and detergent powder had been kept close to each other in the school kitchen. The cook reportedly mistook the detergent powder for salt and added it to the food. Soon after eating the meal, several students complained of dizziness and started vomiting.

The students were initially given first aid at the school. However, as some of them continued to feel unwell, they were taken to Sadar Hospital for further treatment.

Bihar Rural Development Minister Shravan Kumar visited the hospital and met the affected students. He also spoke with doctors about their condition.

Kumar said a detailed investigation would be carried out to determine how the alleged mistake happened during the preparation and serving of the mid-day meal.

The incident has raised questions about food handling and safety measures in school kitchens. Further details are expected after the inquiry.

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