Patna, July 11 (IANS): At least 12 children fell ill after having their mid-day meal at a government school in Bihar's Sheikhpura district on Saturday, an official said.

Also, a "snake-like reptile" was found in the meal in another school in the state, he said.

The official said 12 children, who fell ill in Sheikhpura district's Sikandara, were admitted to a state-run health centre. They are now out of danger.

The children complained of uneasiness after eating the meal, the official said, adding that police collected samples of the meal.

In another related incident, a "snake-like reptile" was found in the meal at a government middle school in Jamui district.

"Some children in Bajhiyar middle school informed teachers that a 'snake-like reptile' was found in the meal. We have asked a district official to inquire into it and submit a report soon," a Jamui district official said.

Soon after the incident was reported, parents and relatives of the students protested and demanded action against the concerned officials.

In 2013, 23 students died after eating a poisonous meal at a primary school in Saran district.

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