Of the 24 students of Dayanand Balak Vidyalaya, Mulund who had been admitted in Sion LTMG hospital for food poisoning, two are still under observation. As per rules, the principal or teachers in a school are required to taste the mid-day meal before it's served. Was that done? Activists working with students are now asking.
Of the 24 students of Dayanand Balak Vidyalaya, Mulund who had been admitted in Sion LTMG hospital for food poisoning, two are still under observation. As per rules, the principal or teachers in a school are required to taste the mid-day meal before it's served. Was that done? Activists working with students are now asking.
What happened at the school?
On Tuesday, 24 students of grades six to eight complained of vomiting after having mid-day meal served at 3.40pm during recess.
How did school authorities react?
Students and a few teachers said the meal smelled differently. Students who complained of giddiness were immediately rushed LTMG hospital. Of the 24 admitted, two are still in hospital.
Who provided the meal?
One Priyadarshini Niradhar Mahila Mandal (PNMM) has been serving meals in this school since the last five years. Food is provided to girls in the morning session and to boys in the afternoon.
Who tasted the food?
RR Tiwari, principal of school, said: "PNMM will not be allowed to serve meals here anymore. I tasted the food, but only a little bit, hence could not make out if it was bad. Since students had had larger quantity, they felt its effect. They were immediately rushed to hospital."
Any set standard for mid-day meal?
Dr Richa Singh, school management committee member from NGO Citizens Association for Child Rights, said: "School authorities do not visit the kitchen (of the organization) from where food is brought. Moreover, tasting just a spoon may not be enough to judge its quality."
Milind Mhaske, project director, Praja, said: "Quality-check leaves a lot to be desired. BMC needs to define what the standard of a mid-day meal should be."
Parents say
One of the parents of a boy who took ill after having the meal said: "My son vomited after having the meal. I am scared. I will send tiffin with him from now on."
Has anyone been booked?
Investigating officer Sarika Bhosle of Matunga police said: "We have registered a case against contractor Kedar Oswal as well as seven to eight people belonging to PNMM who were responsible for making the food. No one has so far been arrested, however."
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