Thiruvananthapuram, June 4 (BPNS)
Three separate incidents of suspected food poisoning among children have been reported in the state in the last two days. The incidents were reported from educational institutions at Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Alappuzha. Springing into action state education minister V Sivankutty and state health minister Veena George ordered separate probes.
While the health condition of the children who sought medical assistance following nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting was satisfactory, health and food safety officials have begun the proceedings to ascertain the cause of the incident.
It was on Saturday that suspected food poisoning incidents were reported from Kollam and Alappuzha. In these separate incidents, around 12 students had to seek medical attention. This includes four students of an anganwadi at Kalluvathukkal, Kottarakkara in the Kollam district. Other students were from Town UP School, Puthanroad, Kayamkulam in Alappuzha.
Meanwhile, parents also seized a rice bag infested with worms from the Anganwadi where suspected food poisoning occurred.
In the incident reported from Vizhinjam in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday, 25 students complained of uneasiness after consuming food from their school. The food was served by LMSLP School, Venganoor, Uchakada as part of the mid-day meal scheme.
“These are different incidents and will have to be examined separately. Samples of raw materials, cooked food, and water were collected from these schools. If needed students’ health reports will also be examined,” said an official of the health department.
Acting upon instructions from the education minister, the principal secretary forgeneral education department sought an urgent report from the Director of Public Instruction.
At the same time, the health minister directed the commissioner of food safety and the women and child development director to conduct an inquiry and submit a report on the incidents. The minister also directed the food safety department to impart training on food safety to those preparing food at anganwadis and schools in the state.
