31 Students Fall Ill After Dinner at Karimnagar Hostel: Food Safety Concerns Raised

NEWS CHARIOT : A distressing incident occurred at the Mahatma Jyotiba Phule BC Residential School Hostel in Karimnagar, where 31 students fell ill after having dinner on Tuesday night. The students, aged between 13 and 15, suffered from symptoms including vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea after consuming a meal of curry, cauliflower, potatoes, and sambar.

The situation escalated early on Wednesday morning when some students experienced worsening symptoms, prompting the hostel staff to immediately transfer 23 affected students to the government hospital. According to the Revenue Divisional Officer, K. Maheshwar, the students were treated for mild symptoms and discharged by 9 AM after their condition improved. However, by 10 AM, eight more students exhibited similar symptoms and were sent to the hospital for treatment.

The Regional Medical Officer, Dr. Naveena, confirmed that the students had mild symptoms of foodborne illness, possibly due to food allergies or improper hygiene practices. However, food poisoning was ruled out since not all students experienced the illness.

The incident drew attention from various student unions, who staged a protest outside the hostel demanding accountability from the school principal, hostel staff, and the food supplier. Karimnagar MP Bandi Sanjay Kumar also expressed concern, urging the District Collector to focus on maintaining food safety standards and cleanliness in hostels. Police intervened to control the situation.

The affected students have since recovered and returned to the hostel, but the incident has raised serious questions about food safety and hygiene in student hostels.