Odisha: 70 Students Fall Ill After Lizard Found in Midday Meal in Balangir School

Balangir: In a disturbing incident, around 70 students from a government school in Tentulikhunti village under Muribahal block of Balangir district, fell ill on Saturday after consuming a midday meal that was later found to contain a dead lizard.

According to reports, the students began experiencing symptoms such as nausea, stomach pain, and uneasiness shortly after the meal was served. Initially, there was no suspicion of contamination. It was only after several students complained of discomfort that a school staff member noticed the lizard in the food.

Reacting swiftly to the incident, school authorities arranged immediate transportation for the affected students to the nearest hospital. Medical staff confirmed that all students are now in stable condition and are being kept under observation as a precautionary measure, as per reports.

The midday meal program, aimed at improving nutrition among schoolchildren, has faced scrutiny in the past over issues of food safety. This latest incident has once again raised concerns over its implementation and monitoring.