Bolangir, Odisha : A major health scare unfolded in Tentulipara village under Muribahal block of Odisha’s Bolangir district after nearly 100 school children fell ill on Saturday afternoon following the consumption of their Mid-Day Meal. Investigations revealed that a lizard had fallen into the food, triggering suspected food poisoning.
Shortly after consuming the meal, students began complaining of stomach pain, vomiting, and uneasiness. Neither the children nor the school staff initially suspected any contamination. However, upon closer inspection, a staff member discovered a lizard in the leftover food, raising alarm.
The school administration quickly swung into action, rushing all affected students to the nearest local hospital for immediate medical treatment.
Dr. Pradeep Kumar Nayak, the local health officer, confirmed the incident:
“Small children from Tentulipara have been admitted to the hospital. Nearly 100 have been treated so far. Emergency teams, including nurses and pediatric specialists on leave, were called in to handle the situation. The children are now stable and under observation. Initial findings suggest food poisoning caused by a foreign object—likely a lizard—that accidentally fell into the meal. We will conduct a full investigation before drawing conclusions.”
Dr. Nayak also noted that some children may have experienced symptoms due to mental stress or anxiety after learning about the contamination.
The incident has left parents furious, many of whom are questioning the quality control of the Mid-Day Meal program.
“A lizard was found in the food. My children complained of stomach pain and vomiting. One even had throat pain. Who is responsible? The cook should have checked the food before serving. Now so many children are sick, and yet no one is taking accountability,” said a distressed parent whose two sons, studying in Class 4 and 5, were among the victims.
He added that he was informed about the incident by neighbors around 10 AM, as their home is located a short distance from the school.
All affected students are reported to be out of danger but are being kept under medical observation. The district administration has initiated an official inquiry into the matter. Authorities have assured strict action against those found guilty of negligence.
