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Thane: In a distressing incident, over 100 tribal students, including 63 girls, of a private ashram school in Maharashtra’s Thane district were swiftly rushed to a government hospital after they displayed symptoms of food poisoning. The incident occurred on Wednesday, January 31, after consuming the mid-day meal provided at the school.
The occurrence, which happened at a private school on the outskirts of Mumbai, unfolded after the morning meal. Students had been served food procured from external sources, including a sweet dish. However, shortly after consumption, a significant number of students reported feelings of vomiting, nausea, and giddiness.
The Sant Gadge Maharaj Primary and Secondary Ashram School, where the incident took place, is a residential school located in Bhatsai, Shahapur taluka, on the outskirts of Mumbai. The school caters to tribal children and houses approximately 200 students from Classes 1 to 10.
According to officials, the students experienced vomiting and other symptoms of food poisoning after eating the mid-day meal, which included pulao and a sweet dish called gulab jamun. Of the 109 students affected, 63 were girls and 46 were boys. Except four, all the students were discharged from Shahpur sub-division hospital after treatment.
Senior officials visited the hospital to inquire about the condition of the students, while families and relatives of the affected students gathered outside the medical facility. Policemen were st strict vigil at the hospital to maintain order. Samples of food items served to children were collected and sent for laboratory testing to determine the cause of food poisoning.
The origin of the pulao and gulab jamun served during the mid-day meal has not been officially confirmed. However, some students claimed that the food items were brought from outside sources. The local police have initiated the detailed investigation to trace the exact source of the food and any possible negligence or violation.
The incident of food poisoning underscores the importance of ensuring the safety and quality of food provided in schools. A thorough investigation is necessary to identify the root cause of the problem and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future, protecting the well-being of students and maintaining their trust in school food services.
