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Dominican Republic school meal program investigation

Updated 1 time since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-09-05 18:53 UTC → 2026-09-06 15:26 UTC · added ~~removed~~

An investigation was launched in Santiago, Dominican Republic, after 68 students and one teacher at the Fernando Valerio school reported symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and stomach pain. The symptoms appeared approximately one hour after the consumption of chocolate milk provided during the school breakfast. While the milk showed no visible signs of spoilage, authorities suspended its delivery while technicians from the National Institute of Student Welfare (Inabie) and the Ministry of Public Health investigated the milk and another breakfast item known as ‘cocote’. Following inspections, Inabie suspended 14 suppliers within the school breakfast and lunch program due to significant technical irregularities. Findings included non-compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices, poor sanitary conditions, insufficient infrastructure, and facilities that could not be located at declared addresses. Some establishments were found to be non-operational or closed during re-inspection. New allegations of corruption have emerged regarding school lunch tenders in San Pedro de Macorís, valued at over RD$1,900 million. Attorney Pedro Lara, representing 11 affected participants, claims that 15 companies were awarded contracts totaling more than RD$445 million despite having been previously disqualified for failing to meet requirements. One specific instance involves Manuel Emilio Mejía Molina, who reportedly received a contract exceeding RD$31 million despite an Inabie evaluation indicating the submission of false documentation.

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