Home / Disasters and Accidents / Detergent Mistake: 34 Kids Sick After Midday Meal
Detergent Mistake: 34 Kids Sick After Midday Meal
19 Aug
Summary
- 34 children fell ill after consuming a midday meal at Parsa Middle School.
- Detergent powder was allegedly served instead of salt by school staff.
- All hospitalized children are in stable condition and expected to recover fully.
On Tuesday, August 18, 2026, an alarming incident occurred at Parsa Middle School in Bihar's Nalanda district when at least 34 children became ill after consuming their midday meal. Allegations suggest that detergent powder was mistakenly served as salt in the meal, causing immediate symptoms of burning in the throat and stomach pain among the students.
The distressed children were promptly rushed to the government hospital in Biharsharif. Nalanda Civil Surgeon Jai Prakash Singh confirmed the incident as a case of food poisoning, reassuring that the health condition of all affected children is stable and they are expected to recover completely.
Witness accounts from parents and students described severe discomfort and some children losing consciousness after eating the meal. While the school headmaster stated that detergent powder was served "by mistake" by the staff, the Nalanda District Education Officer has initiated a thorough investigation, awaiting medical reports to determine the exact cause.
Rural Development Minister Shrawon Kumar visited the hospitalized children, emphasizing that there would be no compromise on their health and promising strict action against anyone found guilty. He also directed surprise inspections of midday meal services across the district to ensure adherence to hygiene standards.
