Did 60 Students Fall Ill After Suspected Food Poisoning in Gujarat Residential School?
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Synopsis
In a concerning event, over 60 students from a girls' residential school in Gujarat have reported symptoms of food poisoning, leading to immediate medical intervention and an ongoing investigation into food safety practices in educational institutions. This incident highlights the urgent need for better food safety protocols.
Key Takeaways
- At least 60 students fell ill due to suspected food poisoning.
- Timely medical intervention has kept students in stable condition.
- A formal investigation is underway to assess food safety practices.
- Past incidents highlight ongoing food safety concerns in schools.
- State authorities are intensifying efforts to ensure food safety.
Dahod, July 3 (NationPress) A troubling incident unfolded at a girls' residential school located in Mandor Lukhadia village of Dahod district, where at least 60 students fell ill due to suspected food poisoning. This alarming situation triggered a swift medical response and led to an official inquiry by the authorities.
Initial reports indicate that the students began suffering from vomiting, stomach pain, and nausea shortly after their meal.
Initially, around 12 students were transported to the Limkheda Government Hospital for immediate care.
As the evening progressed, more students exhibited similar symptoms, necessitating additional ambulance transports to the hospital.
Fortunately, doctors have confirmed that all affected students are currently in stable condition, thanks to rapid medical intervention.
“No severe complications have been reported, but this incident raises serious concerns regarding food safety in residential schools,” a hospital representative remarked.
In response to the situation, senior district officials and food safety inspectors promptly arrived at the hospital to evaluate the circumstances.
The district administration, along with the Food Department, has initiated an investigation. Samples of the evening meal have been sent for laboratory testing.
The school serves hundreds of girls from nearby tribal communities and has been the focus of various welfare programs in the past.
More information is expected as the investigation unfolds.
Earlier, on June 18, a similar incident occurred in Bhawani Nagar, where 25 children fell ill after consuming tainted buttermilk, displaying symptoms such as stomach upset and vomiting. Local health officials promptly treated those affected and began an inquiry to uncover the cause.
These repeated incidents have prompted the state government and the Food and Drug Control Administration (FDCA) to enhance their food safety measures.
Between April 2024 and March 2025, the FDCA seized over 351 tonnes of questionable or substandard food items across Gujarat, with testing indicating that 1.45 percent of food samples did not meet safety standards.
District Health Departments have been instructed to carry out routine food and water sampling, while local civic bodies are being trained in food handling and sanitation practices.
Moreover, awareness campaigns are being launched in vulnerable areas to promote safe cooking and storage methods.
Point of View
We take this incident seriously, underscoring the importance of food safety in educational institutions. The health and well-being of our children is paramount, and it is essential that thorough investigations are conducted to prevent future occurrences.
NationPress
03/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the students to fall ill?
The students are suspected to have fallen ill due to food poisoning after consuming their meal.
How many students were affected?
At least 60 students from the girls' residential school reported symptoms of illness.
What symptoms did the students experience?
Students exhibited symptoms including vomiting, stomach pain, and nausea.
What actions are being taken in response?
Authorities have launched an investigation and collected meal samples for laboratory analysis.
What measures are being implemented for food safety?
The state government and FDCA are intensifying food safety efforts, including routine sampling and awareness campaigns.
