Hyderabad: 33 students of Nagaram Minority Gurukulam in Medchal-Malkajgiri district fell ill after having lunch on Thursday. The students were taken to Ghatkesar Government Hospital for treatment after receiving reports of stomach ache and vomiting.
Doctors have said that the students have recovered and are now stable. According to reports, Thursday’s lunch, served as part of hostel meals, appears to have caused indigestion and food poisoning.
450 students are studying in Gurukulam under Nagaram Municipality. This happened in other districts despite the Telangana government’s recent introduction of the “New Common Diet Menu” on December 14, which was meant to improve the quality of food in residential schools.
The new menu includes a 40 percent increase in dietary charges and a 200 percent increase in cosmetic charges along with strict standard operating procedures (SOP) for food preparation and service. The SOP mandates strict guidelines for hygiene, such as ensuring that vegetables do not touch the ground, prohibiting reuse of leftovers and maintaining strict standards of storage and cooking.
The new menu and SOP was introduced after severe food poisoning cases in government residential schools, some leading to death.