More than 70 students fall ill after mid-day meal at Bihar school

Over 70 students fell ill on Feb 7 after consuming the mid-day meal at a government school in Bihar’s Madhepura district, prompting emergency hospitalization and an official investigation into suspected food contamination.

The incident was reported at the upgraded middle school in Karu Tola, Sahugarh, under the Madhepura Sadar block.

Soon after lunch, students complained of vomiting, stomach pain, and severe discomfort. As cases increased rapidly, teachers raised an alarm and sought immediate medical help.

Ambulances and private vehicles were arranged to transport the affected children to Madhepura Sadar Hospital. Doctors said most students are stable and out of danger, while one girl remains in critical condition under close observation.

Preliminary suspicion centers on contaminated food, with parents and local residents alleging that a lizard may have fallen into the meal. The mid-day meal at the school is supplied by Paras Agro, a voluntary organization operating under the government scheme.

Parents gathered at the hospital and demanded strict action against those responsible. District Education Officer Sanjay Kumar visited the facility, reviewed the situation, and ordered a detailed inquiry.

“All children are being provided proper treatment, and there was no need to panic. The mid-day meal is distributed by an NGO. An inquiry into the alleged negligence has already begun. All aspects related to food quality, supply, and distribution will be thoroughly investigated, and strict action will be taken against those found responsible,” he said.

The incident has once again raised questions about food safety oversight in government-run mid-day meal programs.