Mid-Day Meal
At least 36 girl students fell ill after detergent powder was allegedly added to their mid-day meal at a government school in Bihar’s Nalanda district. The incident took place at Middle School in Parasi, under the Noorsarai police station area. The students were taken to Biharsharif Sadar Hospital, where doctors said they were out of danger.
The students were served soybean rice as part of the prescribed mid-day meal menu on Tuesday afternoon. Some students reportedly complained that the food lacked salt after they began eating.
According to local accounts, the containers of salt and detergent powder were kept in the same area of the school kitchen. The cook allegedly mistook the detergent powder for salt and added it to the food. The exact circumstances behind the mistake are yet to be established.
The incident has raised concerns over the storage and handling of food ingredients and cleaning materials inside school kitchens. Keeping such substances in close proximity can increase the risk of accidental contamination, particularly when meals are prepared for children.
Soon after consuming the meal, several students reportedly complained of dizziness and started vomiting. They were initially given first aid at the school.
However, when their condition did not improve, the affected students were shifted to Biharsharif Sadar Hospital. At least 36 girls were taken to the hospital for medical attention. Civil Surgeon Dr Jay Prakash Singh visited the facility and reviewed their condition. He said the children were out of danger.
The incident has understandably caused concern among parents and local residents. Authorities are expected to examine the food preparation process and the way ingredients were stored inside the kitchen.
Bihar Rural Development Minister Shravan Kumar visited the hospital after learning about the incident. He met the affected students and spoke to doctors about their health.
The minister said a detailed inquiry would be conducted to determine how the alleged lapse occurred during preparation and serving of the mid-day meal.
The incident has also highlighted the importance of strict food-safety practices in school kitchens. Food ingredients should be clearly labelled and stored separately from detergents and other cleaning products. Kitchen staff must also be properly trained to prevent accidental contamination.
While the affected students are currently reported to be stable and out of danger, the investigation will be crucial in determining responsibility. It will also establish what corrective measures are needed to prevent a similar incident in the future.
For parents, the episode has raised an important question: how can schools ensure that meals served to children are prepared and stored under the strictest possible safety standards? The authorities’ investigation is expected to provide answers.
© Copyright 2026, cloudTV. All Rights Reserved
