43 students hospitalised after consuming lizard-contaminated meal in Coimbatore

Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu: At least 43 students of a government school here were rushed to the Government Hospital on Tuesday following a suspected case of food poisoning linked to their noon meal, officials said.

M Sivaguru Prabhakaran, Commissioner of the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation (CCMC), 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 commissioner added that an inspection of the school kitchen will be conducted, and appropriate action will be taken based on the findings.

“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,” he added.