Patna, Aug 16 (IANS): Twenty-two children took ill after eating mid-day meal in Bihar's Vaishali district Friday, district officials said. The condition of three is reported to be serious.

The incident occurred at the government primary school in Ramdaha village.

"The children were admitted to the Hajipur government hospital. Except for three children who are still critical, the rest are out of danger," the officials said.

Rice, pulses and vegetables were served in the meal. "Soon after eating the food, some children complained of stomach pain and started vomiting," an official said.

On hearing the news, parents rushed to the hospital to enquire about their children's health, he said.

On July 16, 23 children died after eating contaminated mid-day meal at the primary school in Dharmasati Gandaman village of Bihar's Saran district.

The mid-day meal scheme is running in 72,000 schools across the state and 16 million students avail hot, freshly cooked meals under it.