85 Children Fall Ill After Lizard Found in School Meal

On Wednesday, September 10, 2025, 85 children fell ill after consuming a lizard in the midday meal at Primary School Pokhraira Bichla Tola, Saraiya block, Muzaffarpur. This incident has raised significant concerns about the hygiene standards of school feeding programs and their oversight.

Incident Overview

A lizard accidentally fell into the vegetable dish prepared in the school’s kitchen. By the time the contamination was detected, most of the 100 children present had already consumed the meal. Only 15 children had not eaten when the problem came to light.
The discovery triggered immediate panic, and all affected children were rushed to the nearby Saraiya Community Health Centre for medical care. Out of the ill children, eight were in critical condition and required advanced treatment at Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH), Muzaffarpur. Fortunately, medical officials later reported that all the severely ill children are now stable.

Health Risks of a Lizard in the Midday Meal

The presence of a lizard in a midday meal is extremely hazardous. Reptiles, such as lizards, can carry harmful pathogens, particularly Salmonella bacteria, which can cause severe foodborne illnesses. These infections often lead to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and fever. In children, whose immune systems are still developing, such infections can escalate rapidly into dehydration, severe gastrointestinal distress, and systemic infections if not treated urgently.

Moreover, lizards are not just carriers of bacteria but can also introduce parasites or other microbial contaminants that further increase health risks. Even incidental contact with cooked food poses a danger.

Immediate Response and Medical Intervention

After the incident, local authorities took swift action. The affected children were transported to the CHC, where initial treatment was provided. Eight critically ill children were referred to SKMCH for further management. Additionally, several families chose to take their children to private hospitals for added care.
Local leaders, including PACS President Rajan Kumar and Rajvanshi Kumar, assisted in transporting the children to hospitals. Jan Suraaj leader Kishore Kunal visited the CHC to assess the condition of the patients and ensure medical procedures were properly followed.

Accountability and Food Safety Concerns

Block Education Officer Manju Kumari confirmed that serious lapses in food hygiene and preparation standards led to this unfortunate event. She emphasised, “An investigation will be conducted, and strict action will be taken against those found responsible for this negligence.”
This incident highlights systemic gaps in food safety management at school-level feeding programs. Regular hygiene inspections, proper pest control measures, mandatory staff training on food safety, and improved kitchen sanitation protocols are essential steps that must be urgently implemented to prevent recurrence.

Preventing Future Incidents

Strict Hygiene Audits: Regular and surprise inspections of school kitchens to ensure compliance with safety standards.
Pest Control Protocols: Installation of physical barriers and routine pest control measures to prevent lizards, rodents, and insects from contaminating food preparation areas.
Staff Training: Ongoing education programs for kitchen staff focusing on safe food handling, proper storage, and personal hygiene.
Immediate Reporting Systems: Establishing clear procedures to report and manage food contamination cases without delay.

Conclusion

The lizard in the midday meal incident at Muzaffarpur’s school serves as a grave reminder of how negligence in food preparation can directly impact child health. This case calls for immediate, systematic reforms in food safety practices within school feeding schemes to protect vulnerable populations like children from preventable health hazards.

Source: Inputs from various media Sources

Priya Bairagi

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I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.