In Indonesia, about 2,000 schoolchildren and teachers poisoned after school lunch
In Indonesia, over the past three days, about 2,000 schoolchildren and teachers may have suffered food poisoning after eating meals provided under a state free-meals program.
The latest mass case occurred at a secondary school in the town of Lasem, located in Central Java. According to the head of the school, after lunch signs of poisoning appeared in 777 people — 752 students and 25 teachers.
Because of the large number of those who fell ill, the schoolchildren had to take turns using the restrooms. As the school's principal, Juhartutik, said in an interview, the building has about 40 toilets, which proved insufficient for such a number of people.
After the incident, the school administration was forced to send home early about 1,200 students and 95 staff members. Several of those affected required hospitalization.
The meals after which the students developed symptoms of poisoning were distributed under the state program Makan Bergizi Gratis, which provides free nutritious lunches for schoolchildren. The initiative has become one of the key projects of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, and billions in state funds are being allocated to its implementation.
At the same time, the program is already facing criticism. In addition to repeated cases of suspected mass food poisoning, its high cost and reports of possible corruption violations are raising questions.
Source: BBC
