34 Bihar Students Hospitalised After Detergent Mistaken for Salt in Midday Meal

At least 34 students of Parasi Middle School in Bihar’s Nalanda district were hospitalised after detergent powder was reportedly given to them instead of salt during the midday meal.

Students Fall Ill After Consuming Midday Meal

The incident occurred in the Noorsarai block on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. According to the school headmaster, students had asked for additional salt, but a cook mistakenly picked up detergent powder and served it to them.

The affected students, comprising 17 girls and 17 boys, reportedly developed symptoms including throat and stomach pain after consuming the substance. They were taken to Biharsharif Sadar Hospital for treatment. The district administration said all 34 children were healthy and out of danger after receiving medical care.

Bihar Midday Meal Incident Raises Food Safety Concerns

The incident has raised concerns about the storage, identification and handling of food and non-food materials in school kitchens. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the mix-up and whether proper safeguards were followed.

The incident also highlights the importance of strict food-safety procedures in school midday meal programmes, where even a simple storage or handling error can put children at risk.