A food poisoning incident at a minority residential school for boys in Kagaznagar, Kumaram Bheem Asifabad district, has resulted in the hospitalisation of 31 students. The affected students, ranging from 12 to 16 years of age, experienced severe stomach aches, vomiting, and diarrhoea shortly after dinner on the evening of November 6, prompting immediate medical intervention.
Upon exhibiting symptoms, the students were quickly admitted to Kagaznagar Area Hospital, where they received prompt treatment. Medical professionals have since stabilised the condition of all students, although a few remain under observation as a precautionary measure. Health officials are closely monitoring the situation to ensure full recovery of the affected students.
In response to the incident, district authorities have launched an official investigation. Food samples from the school’s kitchen have been collected for testing to determine the source of contamination. Authorities have also reviewed the hygiene protocols at the school and plan to enforce stricter food safety measures in all state-run institutions.
This outbreak is the latest in a series of similar incidents in Telangana’s government and state-funded schools, raising concerns about food quality and safety standards in the region’s educational institutions. In recent months, several schools across Telangana have reported cases of food poisoning, with students experiencing similar symptoms after consuming school-provided meals. Public outcry has intensified, with parents and educators calling for immediate action to prevent further incidents and protect students’ health.
Parents have voiced their concerns about the lack of consistent food safety protocols and hygiene inspections in school kitchens. Educators, too, are urging the government to establish standardised food quality checks and allocate resources to improve kitchen facilities in residential and public schools.
The state government has acknowledged these concerns and is expected to conduct a comprehensive review of food preparation practices in Telangana’s schools. Plans are being proposed for routine inspections, mandatory hygiene training for kitchen staff, and collaboration with food safety authorities to ensure safe meals for students. Parents and advocacy groups hope that these measures will bring lasting improvements to food quality in Telangana’s educational institutions, safeguarding students’ health and preventing future outbreaks.
The incident has put a spotlight on the pressing need for robust food safety measures in schools, underscoring the importance of creating a safe environment for students across Telangana and beyond.