In a distressing incident in Sirapur village, Balasore district, Odisha, around 100 students from Udayanarayan Nodal School became unwell after consuming their midday meal on Thursday. The meal, consisting of rice and curry, was part of the school’s midday meal programme. The situation took a grave turn when a student discovered a lizard in the food, leading school administrators to immediately halt meal distribution and instruct the children to stop eating.
Despite the prompt action, several children soon complained of stomach aches and chest pain. Emergency services were quickly mobilized, with ambulances and other vehicles transporting the affected students to the nearest community health clinic. A medical team also arrived at the school to provide on-site emergency care. However, many students continued to experience severe symptoms, including vomiting, even after receiving initial treatment, necessitating further medical attention at the clinic.
In response to the incident, the block education officer announced a thorough investigation into the matter, with assurances that legal action would be taken against those responsible for the food safety breach.
