35 children sick after consuming midday meal in K'taka school

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Thirty-five children fell ill following consumption of the midday meal prepared at their school in Sangapur village, Koppal district, Karnataka on April 3.

Fifteen of them were subsequently hospitalised at Gangavathi government hospital due to vomiting. School staff attributed the children's illness to the intense heat rather than the meal served, which consisted of rice and vegetable curry.

Complaints of stomach ache and vomiting arose approximately 30 minutes after consumption.

"We have admitted 15 children to the hospital as a precautionary measure. Their condition is now stable, and their parents have been notified. In response, the school kitchen has been thoroughly cleaned, and adjustments will be made to the menu considering the extreme weather conditions," a teacher stated.

Authorities from the education department emphasised serving liquid-based meals to combat the ongoing harsh summer conditions.

Schools are scheduled to remain open until April 10, with a departmental team having already visited the affected school. Further actions will be taken based on the findings of the inquiry report.