150 Students from Ashram Schools Hospitalized Due to Food Poisoning

Nearly 150 students from ashram schools in Maharashtra's Palghar district were hospitalized due to food poisoning and are under observation. On Tuesday, 250 students fell ill due to food from a central kitchen. An investigation is underway to identify the cause.

Nearly 150 students from ashram schools who suffered from food poisoning remain under observation at various hospitals in Maharashtra's Palghar district, and their condition is stable, according to an official statement on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, about 250 students from 20 ashram schools in Dahanu taluka fell ill due to food poisoning and were rushed to nearby healthcare facilities. The affected students experienced nausea, vomiting, and dizziness shortly after consuming dinner on Monday night sourced from a central kitchen in Kalamgaon.

Dahanu Tribal Development Project officer Dr. Satyam Gandhi reported that around 150 students were still under medical surveillance while the others had been discharged. He confirmed that no one was severely ill. Authorities are compiling data on the students still undergoing treatment.

Food samples from the ashram schools are being tested to ascertain the cause of the complications. District Collector Govind Bodke and senior officials inspected the health centers and the central kitchen. Samples have been collected by the State Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and police for testing. Independent investigations by the SDM, FDA, and police are ongoing.

The affected schools under the Integrated Tribal Development Project (ITDP) are located in Dahanu, Palghar, Talasari, and Vasai talukas, said Resident Deputy Collector Subhash Bhagade.