In a worrying incident, at least 60 students from a girls’ residential school in Mandor Lukhadia village, Dahod district, fell ill due to suspected food poisoning. The students showed symptoms like vomiting, stomach pain, and nausea shortly after having their dinner.
Initially, 12 students were taken to Limkheda Government Hospital for treatment. As more students began to feel unwell, ambulances were called to rush them to the hospital throughout the night. Fortunately, doctors confirmed that all students were in stable condition due to quick medical assistance.
A hospital official mentioned that while no severe health issues have arisen, this incident raises significant concerns about food safety in residential schools.
In response to the situation, senior district officials and food safety inspectors visited the hospital to evaluate the case. The district administration, along with the Food Department, has started a formal investigation into the incident. They collected samples of the evening meal served to the students for laboratory testing.
The school serves hundreds of girls from nearby tribal communities and has been involved in various welfare programs. This recent event follows another concerning case where 25 children in Bhawani Nagar fell ill after consuming contaminated buttermilk.
Local health authorities acted quickly in both cases, treating the affected students and launching investigations to determine the causes of the illnesses. The state government is taking these incidents seriously and has ordered the Food and Drug Control Administration (FDCA) to enhance food safety measures.
From April 2024 to March 2025, the FDCA seized over 351 tonnes of suspicious or substandard food items in Gujarat. Testing revealed that 1.45% of food samples did not meet safety standards.
To prevent future incidents, the District Health Departments have been instructed to carry out regular food and water sampling. Furthermore, local civic bodies are tasked with training kitchen staff on proper food handling and hygiene practices.
Awareness campaigns are also being implemented in vulnerable areas to educate communities about safe cooking and food storage. Parents are understandably concerned about the safety of food served at the residential facility and are demanding strict measures to ensure the health of their children. Authorities have promised to take appropriate action once the investigation is completed.
As this situation unfolds, it highlights the ongoing need for vigilance in food safety standards, particularly in schools that cater to young and vulnerable populations. The community is looking for answers and assurance that such incidents will be prevented in the future.
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