Key Update

At least 36 girl students fell ill after a cook allegedly added detergent powder instead of salt to a mid-day meal at a government school in Bihar’s Nalanda district.

36 Students Fall Ill After Mid-Day Meal

The incident occurred on Tuesday at a middle school in Parasi, under the Noorsarai police station area, where the school served soybean rice as part of its prescribed mid-day meal menu. Shortly after eating, several students complained of dizziness and began vomiting. Although school staff initially provided first aid, the students continued to experience symptoms, prompting the school to take them to Biharsharif Sadar Hospital for further medical attention.

Cook Allegedly Mistakes Detergent for Salt

According to school officials and local residents, the kitchen staff kept containers of salt and detergent powder in the same area. When some students complained that the food lacked salt, the cook allegedly mistook the detergent powder for salt and added it to the meal. School principal Shailendra Kumar Singh said an NGO had supplied the soybean rice in accordance with the prescribed menu.

Students Receive Medical Care

Doctors at Biharsharif Sadar Hospital examined and monitored the affected students after they arrived for treatment. Civil Surgeon Dr Jay Prakash Singh also visited the hospital to assess their condition and speak with the medical team. Officials later confirmed that all the children were out of danger.

Officials Order Detailed Inquiry

Bihar Rural Development Minister Shravan Kumar visited the hospital, met the affected students, and spoke with the doctors treating them. He said authorities would conduct a detailed inquiry to determine how the alleged lapse occurred during the preparation and serving of the mid-day meal.

Safe Chemical Storage Can Prevent Contamination

The incident highlights the importance of keeping cleaning chemicals separate from food ingredients, particularly in institutional kitchens that serve large numbers of children. Kitchen staff should store detergents and other cleaning products in designated areas away from food, with clear labelling and packaging that distinguishes them from ingredients such as salt, sugar and spices. Such basic storage practices can help prevent accidental contamination and reduce avoidable food-safety risks.

NDTV