In a troubling incident, at least 60 students from a girls’ residential school in Mandor Lukhadia village, Dahod district, fell ill on Saturday night. This was due to suspected food poisoning after consuming their evening meal. The situation prompted an urgent medical response and an investigation by local authorities.
Reports indicate that the students began to show symptoms including vomiting, stomach pain, and nausea shortly after dinner. Initially, around 12 students were taken to the Limkheda Government Hospital for treatment. As the symptoms became widespread, more students were transported to the hospital by ambulance as the night progressed.
Medical professionals confirmed that all affected students are now stable. Timely medical care played a crucial role in preventing severe complications. A hospital official stated, “No critical cases have been reported, but this incident raises serious concerns about food quality and hygiene in residential schools.”
In response to the mass illness, senior district officials and food safety inspectors visited the hospital late that night. The Dahod district administration, along with the Food Department, has initiated a thorough investigation into the incident. Food samples from the dinner have been collected for laboratory testing to determine the cause of the suspected poisoning.
The residential school primarily serves girls from nearby tribal communities and has been part of various state welfare programmes. Parents and community members are understandably concerned about the safety and quality of the food provided at the school. Many are calling for stricter measures to ensure the health and safety of the students.
This incident follows another similar case earlier in the year, when 25 children in Bhawani Nagar fell ill after consuming contaminated buttermilk. Health authorities responded swiftly, treating the affected children and launching an investigation into the source of the contamination.
The Gujarat government, along with the Food and Drug Control Administration (FDCA), is stepping up efforts to ensure food safety across the state. Between April 2024 and March 2025, the FDCA seized over 351 tonnes of suspicious or substandard food items. Tests revealed that 1.45% of food samples failed to meet safety standards.
District Health Departments have been instructed to conduct routine sampling of food and water. Local civic bodies are also required to train kitchen staff in proper food handling and sanitation practices. Furthermore, awareness campaigns are being rolled out in vulnerable areas to promote safe cooking and storage practices.
As the investigation into this latest incident continues, further updates are expected. Parents and the community await answers regarding the safety of their children at the school. The authorities are committed to taking appropriate action based on the investigation’s findings to prevent such incidents in the future.