Patna: More than 150 students, aged between 6 and 14 years, fell ill at a government middle school in Baluaha village in Saharsa district on Thursday after consuming a mid-day meal that was allegedly contaminated by an insect or a snake. The incident has raised serious concerns about food safety in schools across the region.
Immediate Medical Response
Saharsa civil surgeon Dr. Raj Narayan Prasad stated that the affected children were initially taken to the Mahishi primary health centre and later referred to the Saharsa sadar hospital for further observation and treatment. Around 50 students reported vomiting after the meal, while about 30 complained of stomach pain. All students were discharged by Thursday night after receiving necessary medical care, he added.
District Administration's Statement
District Magistrate Deepesh Kumar confirmed that several children fell ill after eating the meal and were shifted from the primary health centre to the Sadar hospital as a precautionary measure. “Some children had mild fever, but their condition improved quickly. There is no need to panic,” he said, adding that the children will remain under observation for any delayed symptoms.
Allegations and Investigation
Some parents claimed that a snake was found in the container used to store cooked pulses at the school. They alleged that out of the 545 students present, around 200 had already consumed the meal before the snake was spotted and later reported vomiting and stomach ache. Dr. Prasad noted, “The exact source of contamination is yet to be confirmed. Food samples have been sent for laboratory analysis, and results are expected on Friday.”
Recurring Incidents
This is the third such incident in the region this year. In February 2026, over 70 students fell ill in Madhepura after a lizard was allegedly found in their meal. Earlier, on January 18, around 50 students at Gahumani Itahari Middle School in the district also required medical attention following the mid-day meal, triggering allegations of negligence against school authorities.
Authorities have assured a thorough investigation and strict action against those responsible. The health department has also been instructed to monitor the situation closely and ensure similar incidents are prevented in the future.
