FDA collects samples of midday meal after 38 students suffer from food poisoning in Thane

Thane: A team from the Thane Food Drugs and Administration (FDA) has collected samples for possible contamination of the midday meal served at the SVPM school, Kalwa. 38 students had complained of uneasiness and were admitted to the CSMM hospital on Tuesday, officials informed. The report will be available in the next few days, following which appropriate action will be taken, the official added. The class V and VI students complained of nausea, uneasiness, headache, and vomiting after consuming khichadi and matki ( sprouts) for lunch at the school.Milind Patil, former NCP-SP corporator, said, "I have received complaints of worms found in the meals served by the school in the past. Students had complained of the food emanating stench on Tuesday but the administration apparently failed to take cognisance. The school staff never checks the food before it is served to the children as per the mandate," he said.Former Shiv Sena corporator and deputy mayor Rajendra Sapte said he will take up the issue and ensure appropriate action is taken against the school management if negligence is established. Irate parents demanded an explanation from the school. Babu Ghadigaonkar, a resident of Paund Pada, said they would meet the school management on Thursday, demanding an investigation into the incident.Dr Rakesh Barot, dean at the CSM hospital, said the condition of the students was stable and most of them are likely to be discharged today. "Preliminary diagnosis revealed it is a case of food poisoning but we have sent their blood samples for analysis to confirm the same."The Thane municipal education department is likely to probe the incident independently and decide the course of action accordingly. Senior inspector Ashok Utekar at the Kalwa police station said they will investigate the matter after parents register a complaint. Meanwhile, locals said there have been similar incidents in the past and called for detailed investigation.School authorities were unavailable for comment on Wednesday as the facility was shut.