Detergent Added Instead Of Salt To Mid-Day Meal, 36 Bihar Schoolgirls Fall ill

At least 36 girl students fell ill after allegedly consuming a mid-day meal in which detergent powder was mistakenly added instead of salt at a government school in Bihar’s Nalanda district on Tuesday. The students complained of dizziness and vomiting after eating the meal and were later taken to Biharsharif Sadar Hospital, where officials said they were stable and out of danger.

Detergent allegedly mistaken for salt

The incident took place at the Middle School in Parasi under the Noorsarai police station area of Nalanda. According to school officials and local residents, the mid-day meal consisted of soybean rice and had been supplied by an NGO as per the prescribed menu.

Some students had already eaten the meal when others complained that it did not contain enough salt. The containers of salt and detergent powder were reportedly kept in the same place in the school kitchen. The cook allegedly mistook the detergent powder for salt and added it to the food.

Students develop dizziness, vomiting

Soon after consuming the meal, several students began complaining of dizziness and vomiting. They were initially given first aid at the school, but were later shifted to Biharsharif Sadar Hospital when their condition did not improve.

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

Minister visits hospital

Bihar Rural Development Minister Shravan Kumar also visited the hospital and met the affected students. He spoke to doctors about their condition and assured that the incident would be looked into.

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