A Panchayat Union Middle School located in Adhivaraganatham near Bhuvanagiri, in the Cuddalore district, was the site of a food safety scare earlier today. The school, which has over 120 students, was serving breakfast as part of the government’s morning meal scheme when a student reportedly discovered a lizard in the food.
Around 18 students had already consumed the meal before the contamination was noticed. Although no immediate health issues were reported among the children, the school authorities promptly called in medical staff from Bhuvanagiri Government Hospital as a precaution. The students were given initial treatment on-site.
Upon hearing of the incident, concerned parents rushed to the school, leading to a tense exchange with the teaching staff. The situation caused considerable commotion in the area. As a further safety measure, the 18 affected students were transported by ambulance to Chidambaram Government Hospital for observation. All students are reported to be in stable condition.
Repeated Midday Meal Incidents Raise Serious Safety Concerns Across Tamil Nadu
The recent incident is not an isolated case, over the past few years, similar food contamination incidents have been reported across various districts in Tamil Nadu raising alarming questions about the quality control, hygiene practices, and oversight in the state’s school meal schemes.
Despite repeated occurrences, little seems to have been done to prevent these avoidable mishaps.
Timeline of Incidents
#1 24 June 2025: over 50 students at Anaivari Panchayat Union Primary School reportedly fell ill after consuming breakfast suspected to have contained a lizard in Villupuram district. Several students fainted and vomited shortly after eating and were rushed to Kalpattu Government Primary Health Centre. Two temporary kitchen staff were dismissed, and the School Education Department launched an investigation.
#2 July 2025: In a government-run hostel linked to the Government Girls’ Higher Secondary School in the Courtallam area, nine female students fell ill after breakfast and were admitted to Tenkasi Government Hospital. The hostel is reportedly managed by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department.
#3 13 August 2025: Eight students were hospitalized after a lizard was allegedly discovered in their breakfast of rava khichdi provided under the Chief Minister’s Breakfast Scheme at Punairuppu Government Primary School in Thiruvarur district.
#4 10 September 2022: In Tiruvannamalai district’s, Mothakal village, 47 students were hospitalized after eating contaminated midday meals that reportedly contained dead lizards.
#5 31 May 2022: In Pudukottai District, three children suffered from vomiting and diarrhea at the Thondaiman Nagar Anganwadi. Food served to 50 children was later found to contain beetles and worms. All children were treated at Pudukottai Government Hospital.
#6 29 October 2022: In Tiruvannamalai district, at a school near Keezhpennathur, 15 students were hospitalized after a lizard’s head was reportedly found in the food consumed by a class 10 student. Over 150 students were enrolled in the school at the time.
Despite these recurring health hazards some involving contaminated food, others undercooked or poorly stored items systemic reforms remain elusive. While temporary suspensions of staff and inquiries are frequently announced, no lasting structural changes have been implemented to ensure food safety in school and hostel kitchens.
Critics argue that the lack of accountability, poor quality control, and insufficient health inspections continue to put thousands of students at risk across Tamil Nadu.
(With inputs from Daily Thanthi)
Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.
