After Tamil Nadu Govt Resumes Midday Meals, 17 Kids Fall Sick Consuming Food In Anganwadi

The officials have collected the samples of the food and sent it for a test. They also said that action would be taken if the anganwadi workers are found guilty

Students Having Mid Day Meals (Image for Representation)

Chennai: Around 17 children have fallen sick after having midday meals served in the anganwadi centre of Thiruchopuram in Cuddalore district on Monday. According to a report on The Hindu, nearly 20 students started consuming food at 11.30 am in the anganwadi centre but they started complaining of dizziness.

Initially, two children suffered from nausea and vomiting but soon 15 children started showing symptoms. All of them were soon rushed to Cuddalore Government General Hospital. All the children are stable and their health is improving. 

Later, the officials told The Hindu that a lizard was found in the food consumed by the children.

The anganwadi staff was identified as V Amsavalli (55) who was posted as the worker in Boothamkatti village, said another report by Times of India. The anganwadi worker on Monday had prepared tomato rice and eggs. Amsavalli along with another helper were suspended immediately.

Based on the information, Cuddalore Collector K Balasubramaniam visited the children and their parents at the hospital and inquired with the officials. 

The officials have collected the samples of the food and sent it for a test. They also said that action would be taken if the anganwadi workers are found guilty.

The Puduchatram police also registered a case and started the investigations

According to the data given by the Central Monitoring Unit, Monitoring and Evaluation Division, Tamil Nadu has a total of 54,439 sanctioned and operational anganwadi centres. 

The mid-day meal scheme was halted due to the pandemic and the government was instead distributing dry ration to the students. However, from September 1, the state government has given the nod to operate the anganwadi centres by operating a Standard Operating Procedure across the state.