44 Tamil Nadu Students Hospitalised After Lizard Found in Midday Meal

At least 44 students from a government school in Tamil Nadu were hospitalised after a lizard was discovered in the midday meal served to them, triggering panic among students and school staff.

The incident occurred at a Corporation Middle School in the West Zone of the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation, where students from Classes 4, 5 and 6 were having their lunch when the contamination was noticed.

Students Taken to Hospital as Precaution

School authorities immediately informed health officials after the lizard was found in the food. As a precautionary measure, dozens of students who had consumed the meal were rushed to nearby hospitals for medical observation.

Officials said many students complained of nausea, stomach discomfort and anxiety after learning about the contamination.

Medical teams treated the students and monitored their condition to ensure there were no serious health complications.

Health Officials Launch Investigation

Local health authorities and municipal officials launched an investigation to determine how the contamination occurred in the midday meal kitchen.

Food samples were collected for examination, and officials began inspecting the food preparation process at the school.

Authorities are also reviewing the hygiene practices followed in the cooking and serving of meals under the government’s midday meal programme, which provides free meals to schoolchildren.

Midday Meal Programme Under Scrutiny

The incident has raised concerns about food safety and hygiene standards in school meal schemes.

The midday meal programme is one of the largest school nutrition initiatives in the country and aims to improve attendance and provide nutritious meals to children from economically weaker backgrounds.

Incidents involving food contamination often prompt authorities to review cooking facilities, storage practices and monitoring mechanisms.

Political Reactions After Incident

The incident triggered political reactions, with leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticising the Tamil Nadu government and demanding stricter monitoring of food safety in schools.

Opposition leaders argued that the government must ensure proper supervision and hygiene standards to prevent such incidents from occurring.

Authorities Promise Action

Local officials said they are conducting a detailed inquiry into the matter and will take action if any negligence is found.

Education and municipal authorities have assured parents that additional safety checks will be implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Meanwhile, parents and school authorities are awaiting the investigation report to determine how the contamination occurred.