Nalanda students hospitalized after detergent mixed into mid-day meal

Dozens of students at Parasi Middle School in the Nalanda district of Bihar fell ill after consuming a mid-day meal contaminated with detergent powder. The incident occurred on Tuesday when a cook allegedly mistook detergent for salt while preparing a soybean and rice dish supplied by an NGO.

Reports indicate that between 14 and 40 children experienced symptoms including stomach pain, vomiting, dizziness, and a burning sensation in their throats. The affected students were transported to Bihar Sharif Sadar Hospital for treatment. Nalanda Civil Surgeon Dr. Jai Prakash Singh confirmed that the children are currently stable and out of danger.

Bihar Rural Development Minister Shravan Kumar visited the hospital to monitor the situation and meet with the students. He has ordered a thorough investigation into the lapse and promised strict legal and administrative action against those responsible. Local reports suggest that salt and detergent containers may have been stored in close proximity in the school kitchen, contributing to the error.