In brief
The National Human Rights Commission is investigating reports of children falling ill after a dead snake was discovered in their school lunch in Mokama, Bihar.
In a distressing incident in Mokama, Bihar state, India, over 100 children reportedly fell ill after consuming a school meal that contained a dead snake. Despite the shocking discovery, the cook allegedly continued to serve the meal after removing the reptile, according to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). Approximately 500 students were said to have been provided with the contaminated food, prompting local residents to protest by blocking a road in response to the health scare.The NHRC highlighted the severity of the situation, emphasizing that the alleged incident could signify a grave violation of the students' human rights. They have requested a comprehensive report from senior state officials within two weeks, which should include the health status of the affected children. The school lunches, part of India's Mid-Day Meal Scheme, were originally designed to alleviate hunger and improve school attendance among impoverished children when they were introduced in 1925.This shocking event is a stark reminder of ongoing issues regarding food safety in educational institutions. In a similar and tragic occurrence in 2013, contaminated food led to the deaths of 23 children in Bihar, with scientific testing revealing highly toxic levels of pesticides. Concerns over food hygiene continue to be a pressing issue within one of the largest school meal programs globally.
