35 hostel students fall sick due to suspected food poisoning
safefoodmitra.com · 2024-02-09 22:18:45
The hostel belongs to a group of institutions. District health officer Dr Thimmaiah HR said that about 35 female students complained of diarrhoea and nausea about two days ago. The moment the health officials got to know about the incident, a spot inspection was conducted.
On Wednesday, a team led by the DHO visited the spot and found that all students were out of danger. The water and food samples served at the hostel have been sent for tests. It is a suspected case of food poisoning.
A parent said that the incident was reported on Tuesday. On the food quality, parents said while the taste of the food is okay, hygiene concerns have been raised. The kitchen is located in the boys’ hostel, and the food is transported to the girls’ hostel in a vehicle. Staff members serving food do not wear head caps or gloves. Also, there is no provision for a suggestion box in the college, they alleged. Meanwhile, the principal said that an inquiry is on. There are 1,200 students, including boys. The food was prepared together for boys and girls’ hostels and only 34 female students had the problem. “We are yet to ascertain the reason for the incident. Our priority is to provide care for the students. If it is a hostel mess issue, then at least 50% of them should have been affected. We have not seen a single case in the boys' hostel. The officials have visited the college,” he said.