Detergent Instead Of Salt In Mid-Day Meal Leaves 36 Bihar Students Ill

At least 36 girl students fell ill after allegedly consuming a mid-day meal containing detergent powder at a government school in Bihar's Nalanda district on Tuesday. The students reportedly complained of dizziness and vomiting shortly after eating the meal and were subsequently taken to Biharsharif Sadar Hospital for treatment. Officials said the children were stable and out of danger.

The incident took place at Middle School in Parasi, under the Noorsarai police station area of Nalanda. According to school authorities, the day's meal consisted of soybean rice and had been supplied by an NGO in accordance with the prescribed menu. Some students had already eaten when others complained that the food did not contain enough salt.

According to local accounts, containers containing salt and detergent powder had allegedly been kept at the same location inside the school kitchen. The cook reportedly mistook the detergent powder for salt and added it to the food while preparing the meal. The alleged mix-up came to light after students began experiencing discomfort following consumption of the food.

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Several students initially received first aid at the school after they complained of dizziness and began vomiting. However, as their symptoms did not improve, they were taken to Biharsharif Sadar Hospital for further medical attention. Civil Surgeon Dr Jay Prakash Singh visited the hospital and assessed the condition of the affected students, stating that all of them were out of danger.

Bihar Rural Development Minister Shravan Kumar also visited the hospital and met the students who had fallen ill. He spoke with the doctors treating them and took information about their condition. The incident has raised concerns over food preparation and storage practices at schools where government-supported meals are served to children.

Minister Shravan Kumar said a detailed inquiry would be conducted to determine how the alleged lapse occurred during the preparation and serving of the mid-day meal. The investigation is expected to examine how the salt and detergent were stored, how the ingredients were identified during cooking and whether required safety procedures were followed. Authorities are also monitoring the condition of the affected students.

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