Surat's health authorities are probing a mass illness incident at a well-known residential school where at least 75 students reported symptoms of food poisoning after consuming dinner on Tuesday night. According to municipal doctors, the first cases surfaced around midnight when pupils began experiencing vomiting, stomach cramps, fever, and loose motion. Officials quickly moved to identify the offending meal, collecting leftover food samples and student stool specimens for laboratory testing.
Fifty-five of those affected were transported to a nearby government hospital, where medical staff began rehydration therapy and symptomatic treatment. Hospital officials stressed that none of the admitted patients were in critical condition and that most could be discharged within 24 hours once electrolyte levels stabilized. Twenty students who showed milder symptoms were advised to recover at home under parental supervision, and a dedicated helpline was set up for updates.
The school has temporarily suspended communal dining while the investigation proceeds. An internal committee, along with a team from the Surat Municipal Corporation and the district administration, was mandated to inspect the kitchen hygiene, storage practices, and supplier records. Health officers also visited the mess to verify temperature logs and check whether raw and cooked items had been properly segregated.
School administrators expressed regret over the incident and said they would fully cooperate with authorities. Neighboring students and parents were briefed at an emergency meeting, and psychological counselors were made available to address anxiety among younger pupils. The incident has reignited debates about the safety standards in India's growing network of residential schools, prompting calls for mandatory third-party food audits and regular hygiene training for kitchen staff.
