Almost two dozen children became sick after eating a school meal that officials believe caused food poisoning.
The incident occurred at a Mandal Parishad primary school in India on Thursday, Jan. 29, after students were served reheated food provided under a government school lunch program, CNN-News 18 and Telangana Today reported.
According to the outlets, the food had originally been prepared for a school function held the previous day.
At least 42 children ate the meal, and 22 fell ill, according to The Independent.
Several students began showing symptoms — including vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain — while eating. They were taken to a nearby hospital and examined by medical staff, per CNN-News 18 and Telangana Today.
All of the children received treatment and are now in stable condition, CNN-News 18 reported.
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Authorities are investigating what caused the illness, and The Independent reported that a staff member involved in preparing the lunch has been removed from their role.
The school’s principal was also issued a show cause notice by the District Educational Officer — a formal administrative directive requiring an explanation before further action is taken — Telangana Today reported.
The Jan. 29 incident was the second reported case of food poisoning at a public school in the area in recent days, according to Telangana Today. The latest episode has led parents to demand stricter food safety rules and clearer guidelines for meals served in government schools, the outlet reported.
The Khammam District government did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Sunday, Feb. 1.
