Detergent Instead Of Salt? At Least 24 Schoolchildren Hospitalised After Mid-Day Meal Horror in Bihar’s Nalanda

Last Updated:August 18, 2026, 8:01 PM IST

Children had complained that the vegetables tasted bland and the cook allegedly added detergent powder stored nearby, mistaking it for common salt\

Medical officers at Bihar Sharif Sadar Hospital confirmed that the children exhibited classic symptoms of chemical ingestion and food poisoning. (Representational image)

More than two dozen primary school students were rushed to hospital in Bihar’s Nalanda district after falling ill from consuming a mid-day meal allegedly cooked with detergent powder instead of salt. The shocking negligence incident took place at the Government Primary School in Paingri village, located under the Deepnagar police station area.

Following the meal, over 24 children aged between 6 and 12 years complained of acute stomach pain, nausea, severe vomiting, and dizziness. School staff and panicked parents immediately arranged emergency transportation, admitting the affected students to the Bihar Sharif Sadar Hospital for treatment.

How the Incident Unfolded

According to statements from students and local residents, children alerted the school cook during lunch that the vegetables tasted bland and lacked salt. Rather than checking the container properly, the cook allegedly added detergent powder stored nearby, mistaking it for common salt.

Shortly after consuming the food, several students began vomiting and collapsed in the school premises. The sudden deterioration in the children’s health triggered chaos, prompting distraught parents to gather at the school premises before rushing their children to the district hospital.

Key Details of the Incident

• Location: Government Primary School, Paingri village, Deepnagar area, Nalanda district, Bihar.
• Impact: Over 24 students aged 6–12 hospitalised with poisoning symptoms.
• Alleged Cause: Detergent powder mistakenly mixed into the mid-day meal vegetable preparation.
• Current Status: Children receiving treatment at Bihar Sharif Sadar Hospital under medical observation.

Medical Response and Official Inquiry

Medical officers at Bihar Sharif Sadar Hospital confirmed that the children exhibited classic symptoms of chemical ingestion and food poisoning. Emergency treatment, including intravenous fluids and anti-emetic medications, was administered immediately. Doctors stated that while several children remain under close observation, most are currently out of critical danger.

The incident has sparked severe outrage among local residents, who accused school authorities and mid-day meal administrators of gross negligence and lax storage practices. District education officials and local police have launched a formal inquiry into the matter. Authorities assured that strict administrative and legal action will be taken against the cook and school administration following a thorough investigation into the storage and preparation protocols at the school.

Key Questions Answered

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The incident has caused outrage among local residents, who have accused school authorities and mid-day meal administrators of gross negligence and lax storage practices. District education officials and local police have launched a formal inquiry into the matter.

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About the Author

Pathikrit Sen Gupta

Pathikrit Sen Gupta is a Senior Associate Editor with News18.com and likes to cut a long story short. He writes sporadically on Politics, Sports, Global Affairs, Space, Entertainment, And Food. He tra…Read More

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