Detergent Served Instead of Salt at Bihar School Sickens Almost 40 Pupils

A school in Bihar inadvertently used detergent instead of salt while preparing the midday meal, leading to a sudden outbreak of illness among students. The mistake was discovered after several children began complaining of stomach pain and vomiting during the lunch break.

Health officials reported that close to 40 pupils required medical attention, with most being transported to nearby hospitals for observation and treatment. Symptoms were consistent with ingestion of a cleaning agent, prompting swift emergency response from school staff and local health workers.

The school administration has suspended the kitchen staff pending a detailed inquiry and has coordinated with the district health department to conduct a thorough investigation. Parents were informed of the incident and urged to monitor their children for any further symptoms.

Authorities emphasized that safety protocols for food preparation will be reinforced across schools in the state to prevent a recurrence of such a hazardous error.