Over 40 Students Hospitalised After Suspected Food Poisoning At Government School In Coimbatore

Forty-three students in Coimbatore were hospitalised after suspected contamination of the noon meal. Authorities will examine kitchen practices and issue safety advisories while the health status of all students remains stable.

Forty-three students from a government school in Coimbatore are receiving treatment at the Government Hospital after a suspected case of food poisoning linked to the noon meal scheme, with civic officials confirming that all affected children are stable and under close medical supervision.

According to officials, the incident occurred on 10 March 2026, when students reportedly fell sick soon after eating the midday meal served on campus, prompting teachers and staff to rush the children to the Government Hospital in Coimbatore for immediate medical care and observation.

Coimbatore school food poisoning: condition of affected students

Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation Commissioner M Sivaguru Prabhakaran said, "30 boys and 13 girls fell ill after eating food contaminated by a lizard and were rushed and admitted to the government hospital... They are currently undergoing intensive treatment... The students will remain under medical observation until 9 PM tonight... All the students are currently stable and doing well, and treatment is being provided to the children under the supervision of a team of five doctors."

The breakdown of students affected in the Coimbatore school food poisoning incident is given below:

Hospital authorities are monitoring vital signs and symptoms, while families have been informed about the treatment and continued observation plans for the children.

Coimbatore school food poisoning: inquiry and kitchen checks

The commissioner stated that the civic body will investigate the Coimbatore school food poisoning case by examining the school kitchen, checking how food was stored and prepared, and reviewing handling practices, with officials expected to act against those responsible if any negligence is identified in the preliminary or detailed findings.

M Sivaguru Prabhakaran added that preventive steps will follow this Coimbatore school food poisoning case, saying, "A circular on ensuring safe food practices will be sent to all schools very shortly... The exact cause of the incident will be revealed after a detailed investigation is completed," indicating that the inquiry will cover both contamination sources and compliance with existing food safety norms.

While the investigation into the Coimbatore school food poisoning episode continues, officials stress that all 43 children remain stable at the Government Hospital, with treatment ongoing and further action, including safety advisories to other schools, expected after the inquiry clarifies how the suspected contamination occurred during the noon meal.

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