Over 70 children fall ill after allegedly consuming Mid-Day meal in Bihar school

Over 70 students fell ill after allegedly consuming a mid-day meal at a government school in Madhepura’s Sadar block , officials said on Monday.

The incident took place on Saturday at the Upgraded Middle School in Karu Tola . Soon after the meal, several children began vomiting and complained of stomach pain and dizziness.

Locals claimed that a lizard had fallen into the food, raising concerns about hygiene standards in the school kitchen.

The affected children were immediately rushed to Madhepura Sadar Hospital. Doctors stated that most of them were stable, though the condition of one girl remains critical.

District Education Officer Sanjay Kumar said, “An investigation has been initiated, and strict action will be taken against those found responsible.”

Experts say such incidents highlight the need for stricter hygiene and monitoring in school kitchens. Regular cleaning, safe storage of ingredients, proper training for cooks, and surprise inspections by officials can prevent contamination. Upgrading kitchen infrastructure, keeping pests out, and involving parents and local committees in oversight are also crucial. Implementing these measures can help ensure the safety of mid-day meals, which remain vital for child nutrition and school attendance.

It’s rarely about a single incident; experts note that such cases usually result from a combination of poor hygiene, weak monitoring, and systemic lapses in implementing safety protocols.

The incident has sparked outrage among parents and residents, with renewed calls for stricter monitoring of the mid-day meal program in the district.