Daijiworld Media Network - Indore

Indore, Aug 22: More than 30 children fell ill after consuming the mid-day meal at a government school in Sinhana village under Dharampur area of Sanwer in Madhya Pradesh's Indore district on Saturday, officials said.

The students were served kadhi-chawal under the mid-day meal scheme. Soon after consuming the food, several children complained of stomach pain, dizziness, headache, vomiting and fever.

According to preliminary information, 19 children have been admitted to Aurobindo Hospital in Indore, while four have been kept in the ICU for precautionary monitoring. More than 30 others are under medical observation.

"Soon after consuming the meal, several children complained of stomach pain, dizziness, headache, vomiting and fever," an official said.

The school staff immediately informed the parents and district administration, following which the affected children were rushed to the hospital.

A senior doctor at Aurobindo Hospital said none of the children were in critical condition.

"Four children have been kept in the ICU for close monitoring as a precautionary measure. Others have been kept under observation for six hours. Their condition is stable," the doctor told IANS, requesting anonymity.

The simultaneous illness of several students after consuming the same meal has raised suspicion of food poisoning, although authorities are yet to establish the exact cause.

A district administration official said food samples had been collected and sent for laboratory testing.

Following the incident, a health department team from Indore visited the school and collected samples of the meal served to the children for examination.

"Further action will be taken based on the food sample reports," an official said.

The incident triggered panic among parents, many of whom rushed to the hospital after receiving information about their children.

All affected children remain under medical supervision and their condition is being closely monitored.