At least 34 children fall ill after detergent served instead of salt in Bihar school’s midday meal
At least 34 children in a Bihar school were hospitalized after being served a midday meal that allegedly contained detergent powder instead of salt. While parents and staff confirm the error, local education officials have dismissed the claims pending a medical investigation.
Why it matters
This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding the safety and oversight of government-funded school meal programs in India.
At least 34 children of Parsa Middle School in Bihar’s Nalanda district fell ill after eating a midday meal in which detergent powder was allegedly served instead of salt “by mistake”.
After eating the meal on Tuesday (August 18, 2026), the children complained of a burning sensation in their throats and stomach pain, causing panic within the school premises. All the children were then rushed to the government hospital in Biharsharif.
Nalanda Civil Surgeon Jai Prakash Singh said that it was a case of food poisoning. “The health condition of all the children is stable. All will be fine,” he added.
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