Forty-four students were hospitalized on Tuesday after falling ill following a midday meal at the Coimbatore Corporation Government Middle School, authorities confirmed. The incident occurred during school hours, prompting immediate medical attention and precautionary measures for the affected children. One additional student was taken by parents to a separate medical facility for advanced care.

Officials reported that the students, who study at the school in Koundampalayam, began experiencing stomach pain shortly after consuming their regular midday meal. Preliminary inspections revealed a dead lizard in the food, leading school authorities to halt meal distribution and notify health officials. Over 200 students attend the school, and authorities acted swiftly to prevent further incidents.

The affected students were transported to Coimbatore Government Hospital, where doctors began treatment as a precaution. Commissioner Sivaguru Prabhakaran stated that 30 boys and 13 girls were under observation at the hospital and were reported to be stable. Medical staff, including five doctors, were deployed to attend to the children.

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An official inquiry has been ordered to determine the cause of the contamination, and the authorities plan to issue a circular to all schools with instructions to closely monitor food preparation and prevent similar incidents in the future. The aim is to ensure safety and maintain hygiene standards in school meal programs.

Parents gathered outside the school campus, expressing anger and demanding strict action against those responsible. Police personnel were deployed to maintain law and order during the protest, and officials said further measures would be taken once the inquiry report is submitted.

The incident has raised concerns about food safety in school meal programs across the region, highlighting the need for rigorous monitoring and accountability to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

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