Report

India’s Midday Meal Scheme, designed to nourish millions of school children, aims to combat malnutrition and improve learning outcomes. Experts have consistently emphasised how balanced meals support both physical and cognitive development in growing kids.

But in a disturbing turn of events, over 100 students in Mokama, Bihar, fell sick after eating their midday meal. According to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the school cook served food to nearly 500 students after reportedly removing a dead snake from the meal. The NHRC has demanded a detailed report from local police within two weeks. This report must cover the health status of the affected children. The commission stated that if the reports are accurate, the incident reflects a grave violation of the students’ human rights. To recall, the Midday Meal initiative began in 1925 in Chennai (then Madras), initially targeting children from poor households to fight hunger and improve school attendance.

The Hidden Dangers of Contaminated Food

Food safety experts warn that the presence of a dead snake in cooked food is not just shocking—it’s potentially lethal. Decomposing animals can foster harmful bacteria like Salmonella, Clostridium, and E. coli, which may lead to severe food poisoning. Symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, and dehydration.

As the snake’s body breaks down, it can release toxins that may trigger toxic shock, especially in children or those with weak immunity. In some cases, the snake’s venom can damage oral tissues and cause ulcers. Additionally, snakes may carry parasites like roundworms or flukes that can spread infections through contaminated food.

The Need for Improved Food Safety Measures

This alarming incident underscores the need for stricter hygiene checks and better oversight in school kitchens to ensure that children receive not just free meals—but safe, nutritious food. Schools must adopt more rigorous monitoring of food quality and safety standards, ensuring that no such incidents compromise the health and safety of students.

Source: The Times of India