22 Namakkal hostel students hospitalised due to suspected food poisoning

NAMAKKAL: As many as 22 girl students staying in a govt adi dravidar and tribal welfare hostel in Namakkal town were hospitalised due to suspected food poisoning.The hostel, located on the Namakkal-Mohanur Road, houses students studying at the Government Girls Higher Secondary School. "At present, 56 students from classes VI to IX are staying in the hostel after senior students left for their home after their board exams," said an official.The students had lunch at 1pm. Within an hour of reaching school, 22 students started to vomit and fainted. They were first taken to a private hospital and later shifted to Namakkal Government Medical College Hospital. "All are currently under treatment, and their condition is said to be stable," the official added.Food safety department officials inspected the hostel.The affected students hail from the Kolli Hills.