Health Scare in Osun State as Students Suffer Suspected Food Poisoning.
In an alarming incident in Osun state, a suspected case of food poisoning has affected primary school children, raising alarm among parents and authorities. One woman has come forward to share the harrowing experience of her three children, who were reportedly among those affected.
The incident occurred at St James Primary School B, Owoope Osogbo, where approximately 200 pupils partake in the state government’s free school feeding program. Reports emerged on Monday indicating that students who consumed the food linked to the program began experiencing symptoms of vomiting.
My three Children complain of stomach ache
Madam Irewumi Omolara, the mother of three girls, revealed that upon returning home from school on Monday, her children complained of stomach pains and exhibited signs of weakness. The three children had consumed rice and eggs provided as part of the school feeding program, with concerns raised about the quality of the eggs due to a noticeable unpleasant odour.
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“When my children got home, they complained of stomach ache, and all three of them were going to the toilet and vomiting at the same time. They became so weak before we rushed them to the hospital,” Madam Omolara shared with BBC Pidgin.
The affected pupils received medical attention, including injections and drugs, as the state government swiftly responded to the situation. Additional tests were conducted at LAUTECH on Tuesday morning, with the pupils subsequently returning to school.
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While the state government confirmed that approximately eighteen pupils received treatment and were discharged, they emphasized that it was not a case of food poisoning affecting the children.
The Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment for Osun, Kolapo Alimi, stated that the government initiated investigations into the matter, summoning the cooks responsible for preparing the food. Governor Ademola Adeleke directed an immediate halt to food cooking in the affected school pending the outcome of the investigations.
What is O-MEAL?Â
O-MEALS” refers to the Osun Elementary School Feeding and Health Programme, aimed at providing nutritious meals to children in schools.
Osun’s O-MEAL program, designed to provide meals to school children, has faced scrutiny as a result of this incident. The state government assures the public that corrective measures will be implemented to prevent a recurrence, including an audit of the O-Meal structure and enforcement of food standards and control.
Results from tests conducted on the affected pupils did not indicate food poisoning related to the school feeding program. The state government has halted the feeding program, and affected pupils have returned to school. The incident underscores the delicate nature of ensuring food safety in school feeding initiatives.
