At Least 36 Girls Fall Ill in Bihar After Detergent Added to Mid-Day Meal

The incident took place at the Middle School in Parasi, under the Noorsarai police station area of Nalanda, where students had assembled for their mid-day meal as usual. Soon after consuming the food, several students complained of dizziness and began vomiting.

The affected students were initially given first aid at the school. However, after their condition did not improve, they were shifted to Biharsharif Sadar Hospital. Officials said the students were stable and out of danger.

Principal Shailendra Kumar Singh said the mid-day meal, comprising soybean rice, had been supplied by an NGO as per the prescribed menu. Some students had already eaten when others complained that the food lacked salt.

According to locals, the containers of salt and detergent powder had reportedly been kept at the same place in the kitchen. The cook allegedly mistook the detergent powder for salt and added it to the meal.

Civil Surgeon Dr Jay Prakash Singh visited the hospital and took stock of the students’ condition. He said all the children were out of danger.

Bihar Rural Development Minister Shravan Kumar also visited the hospital and met the affected students. He spoke to doctors about their condition.

Kumar said a detailed inquiry would be conducted to ascertain how the alleged lapse occurred during the preparation and serving of the mid-day meal.

The incident has prompted an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the preparation and serving of the meal at the school.