Food Poisoning Scare at Dahod School Triggers Statewide Food Safety Alert

Dahod: In a worrying development from Mandor Lukhadia village in Gujarat’s Dahod district, over 60 students at a girls’ residential school became unwell following a suspected case of food poisoning. The alarming episode has prompted swift medical attention and initiated an official investigation by local authorities.

As per the initial assessments, several students began suffering from acute symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, and nausea shortly after consuming dinner at the hostel. Medical staff swiftly responded, initially shifting 12 girls to the Limkheda Government Hospital for treatment. However, as symptoms began surfacing among more students during the night, additional cases were rushed to the facility using emergency ambulances.

Doctors on-site confirmed that all affected students are in stable condition and recovering steadily, attributing their safety to quick and efficient intervention. “No severe complications have occurred, but the incident raises serious concerns about food safety in residential schools,” a senior hospital authority remarked.

In the wake of the incident, senior officials from the district and food safety inspectors reached the hospital to evaluate the situation. Samples of the evening meal have been secured for laboratory scrutiny, and a formal probe has been launched by the district administration and the Food Department.

The residential school, home to hundreds of tribal girls from nearby regions, has been at the center of welfare and educational schemes. With concerns mounting, the incident underscores the need for rigorous quality checks in institutional food services.

Notably, this is not an isolated case. On June 18, 25 children in Bhawani Nagar also fell ill after ingesting contaminated buttermilk, suffering from similar symptoms. Prompt medical care and an immediate inquiry followed.

These recurring events have prompted the Gujarat state government and the Food and Drug Control Administration (FDCA) to strengthen vigilance. Between April 2024 and March 2025, the FDCA confiscated over 351 tonnes of dubious or substandard food materials across the state. Laboratory testing revealed that 1.45% of all food samples did not meet essential safety benchmarks.

District Health Departments have now been tasked with regular sampling of food and water supplies. In tandem, municipal bodies have been advised to train kitchen staff in hygienic cooking, proper food handling, and sanitation canons. Moreover, awareness drives have been launched in susceptible regions to educate communities on safe food preparation, hygienic storage, and nutritional discipline.

Authorities assure that comprehensive measures are underway to prevent such hazardous incidents from perennial occurrence.