What Happened to the 80 Children After Eating Mid-Day Meals in Supaul?
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Synopsis
A serious incident of food poisoning at a Bihar school has left 80 children ill after consuming a Mid-Day Meal. Parents are in distress as investigations begin into the quality of the food served. This alarming event raises significant concerns about food safety in schools and the need for accountability.
Key Takeaways
- 80 children fell ill due to food poisoning.
- Investigation launched into the quality of Mid-Day Meals.
- Reports of spoiled food being served.
- Parents are demanding accountability.
- Urgent reforms are needed in food safety protocols.
Patna, June 28 (NationPress) A troubling case of food poisoning has emerged at Madhya Vidyalaya Shankarpatti in Chhatapur block, Supaul, where approximately 80 children fell ill after consuming the Mid-Day Meal (MDM) on Saturday, causing alarm among parents and the local community.
The affected children exhibited symptoms such as stomach pain, vomiting, headaches, and nausea, prompting their immediate transfer to the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Chhatapur, where they received saline and medical treatment.
“The health of the children has significantly declined due to food poisoning. An FIR is being filed at the BEO level. Appropriate actions will be taken against anyone found responsible during the investigation,” stated BDO Dr. Rakesh Gupta, who visited the CHC alongside CO Rakesh Kumar and Station In charge Krishna Kumar Singh to assess the situation.
According to CHC in-charge Dr. Naveen Kumar, most children's conditions are now stable, with around 18 children still under medical observation.
Medical personnel, including ANMs and health workers, maintained care throughout the day, while worried parents and local representatives gathered at the CHC for updates on the children.
Some children reported that the khichdi served under the MDM was prepared with spoiled rice that contained worms and larvae.
They claimed that Headmaster Harishchandra Kumar coerced them into eating the khichdi by threatening them with a ladle if they attempted to leave without finishing their meal.
“The cook refused to make khichdi with that rice, but it was prepared under pressure from the HM. Children began to fall ill within half an hour after eating it,” a parent lamented outside the CHC.
BDO Dr. Rakesh Gupta has confirmed the food poisoning incident and assured that a thorough investigation is underway.
Incidents of food poisoning related to mid-day meal programs continue to emerge in Bihar, underscoring the urgent need for more stringent quality controls on food grains and their implementation at schools to ensure children's safety.
Point of View
This incident highlights an ongoing challenge in ensuring food safety in educational institutions. The health and well-being of children must be prioritized, and accountability is essential to prevent such occurrences in the future. The government must enhance its monitoring and quality control measures.
NationPress
28/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the illness among the children?
The illness was attributed to food poisoning, with reports suggesting the khichdi served was made from spoiled rice containing worms.
What action is being taken regarding the incident?
An FIR is being registered at the BEO level, and a thorough investigation has been initiated to identify those responsible.
How are the affected children doing now?
Most children are reported to be stable, with 18 still under medical observation at the Community Health Centre.
What measures are needed to prevent future incidents?
Stricter quality checks on food served in schools and better oversight of mid-day meal programs are crucial to ensure children's safety.
Is this a common issue in Bihar?
Yes, incidents of food poisoning related to mid-day meals have been reported in Bihar, highlighting the need for urgent reforms.
