36 students in Bihar fall ill after eating mid-day meal; detergent added instead of salt

August 19, 2026

Nalanda: At least 36 students fell ill after eating mid-day meal in Bihar’s Nalanda district on Tuesday. The incident occurred at a middle school in Parasi village, under the Nursarai police station area.

After eating the meal, the students complained of dizziness and vomiting. They were subsequently taken to Biharsharif Sadar Hospital for treatment. According to officials, all students are stable and out of danger.

Detergent added instead of salt

According to school principal Shailendra Kumar Singh, soybean and rice were served as part of the mid-day meal as per the prescribed menu. This food was provided to the school by an NGO.

After some students ate the meal, the remaining students complained of a lack of salt. The cook allegedly mistakenly added detergent powder to the food instead of salt.

Cans were kept in the same place in the kitchen

According to local residents, cans of salt and detergent powder were allegedly kept in the same place in the school kitchen. This is why the cook’s mistake is suspected.

Several students fell ill after eating the detergent-laced food, prompting the school administration to immediately rush them to the hospital.

All students out of danger

Officials stated that all students admitted to the hospital are currently in normal condition. The incident has raised questions about the school and the mid-day meal system. An investigation is underway to uncover the true cause of negligence.