Over 150 students fall ill at Indore school:Kitchen sealed after expired food found, 23 samples sent for testing

More than 150 children fell ill at Shishukunj School in Indore, a case that came to public attention only after protests by parents and viral videos surfaced on social media. According to reports, the illness actually began on June 20, when several students started complaining of vomiting, diarrhea, throat infections, nausea, and indigestion after having lunch at school. However, parents allege that the school management did not immediately disclose the issue, delaying awareness by nearly two days. Parents raise alarm via WhatsApp groups Initially, parents were unsure whether the symptoms were linked to school food or something consumed at home. As more cases emerged, they began sharing concerns in the school’s WhatsApp groups, where multiple families reported similar symptoms among their children. By Sunday, complaints continued even though the school was closed. Several parents also escalated the matter via email to school authorities. By Monday, around 35 complaints had been officially received, prompting further concern. Large-scale administrative inspection On Monday, a large number of parents gathered at the school, leading to intervention by district administration, health officials, food safety authorities, and the education department. A joint inspection team spent nearly four hours on the premises, examining the kitchen, mess, and food storage facilities. Officials collected 23 food samples, including paneer, ice cream, milk, pulses, vegetables, rice, bread, spices, and drinking water for laboratory testing. Expired food items found in kitchen During the inspection, authorities discovered 10 packets of expired spices and two packets of expired snacks in the kitchen. Following the findings, the school kitchen was sealed until further notice, and a case was registered. Majority of affected children are young students Reports indicate that most of the affected children are from lower classes, primarily around Class 4 or below, aged between 10 and 11 years. Parents shared lists containing names and school identification numbers of at least 64 affected students in WhatsApp groups. Health experts note that younger children are more vulnerable to foodborne illnesses due to weaker immunity. Investigation focus shifts to dairy products Officials stated that expired spices alone are unlikely to be the sole cause of illness in such a large number of students. The investigation is now focusing on dairy products such as milk, paneer, and ice cream. Experts suggest that improper cold storage during summer may lead to rapid spoilage of such items, potentially causing widespread gastrointestinal infections. School management denies lapses School coordinator Richa Tiwari said that more than 3,000 students consume meals at the institution and that all hygiene and food safety standards are strictly followed. She added that RO-purified water is used and CCTV surveillance is in place across the campus. The school administration maintained that the exact cause of the illness will only be known after laboratory test results are received. Helpline issued for complaints Following the incident, Collector Shivam Verma urged parents and citizens to report any food safety violations in schools, hostels, or food establishments. Complaints can be registered through the district helpline 0731-181. The administration has assured prompt investigation and strict action against those found responsible.