36 Schoolgirls Fall Ill As Detergent Mixed in Mid-Day Meal in Bihar

• 36 girl students hospitalised after consuming contaminated mid-day meal in Nalanda
• Cook allegedly added detergent powder instead of salt while preparing soybean rice
• All affected students reported stable and out of danger, officials say
• Bihar government orders detailed probe into the incident

GG News Bureau
Nalanda, 19th Aug: At least 36 girl students were hospitalised after allegedly consuming a mid-day meal in which detergent powder was mistakenly mixed instead of salt at a government school in Bihar’s Nalanda district on Tuesday.

The incident occurred at the Middle School in Parasi under the Noorsarai police station area, where students were served soybean rice as part of the Mid-Day Meal Scheme. According to school authorities, the meal had been supplied by an NGO following the prescribed menu.

Principal Shailendra Kumar Singh said some students had already started eating when others complained that the food lacked salt. According to local residents, the containers of salt and detergent powder had been kept together in the kitchen, and the cook allegedly mistook the detergent for salt before adding it to the meal.

Shortly after consuming the food, several students complained of dizziness and vomiting. They were initially given first aid at the school before being shifted to Biharsharif Sadar Hospital as their condition failed to improve.

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

Bihar Rural Development Minister Shravan Kumar also visited the hospital, met the students and spoke to doctors about their treatment. He said a detailed inquiry has been ordered to determine how the alleged lapse occurred during the preparation and serving of the mid-day meal.

Officials said the investigation will examine the circumstances that led to the incident and appropriate action will be taken based on its findings.