Six children were admitted to Pollachi Government Hospital after consuming food contaminated by a lizard at an anganwadi center in Kollappatti, near Pollachi, on September 11. The incident has sparked an investigation and potential disciplinary action.
Coimbatore: In a disturbing incident at an anganwadi center in Kollappatti, near Pollachi, six children were hospitalized after consuming food contaminated by a dead lizard. The event occurred on September 11, raising serious concerns about food safety in childcare facilities.
Two regular attendees of the center, Nithin and Mithun Krishna, along with four other children - Thanshika, Sujai, Devaprasad, and Pugalmathi - who had come for vaccinations, were served lunch by anganwadi workers Sivagami and Selvanayaki. The workers were shocked to discover a dead lizard in the cooking vessel after serving the food.
Despite attempts to prevent the children from eating, some had already consumed small portions of the contaminated food, leading to vomiting. The panicked workers, with the help of parents, immediately rushed the children to Pollachi Government Hospital. Doctors are currently treating the affected children and have advised a four-hour observation period.
Veena, the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) officer who visited the hospital, stated that departmental action would be taken against the two anganwadi workers, Sivagami and Selvanayaki. Meanwhile, the Negamam Police Station has initiated an investigation into the incident.
This alarming event has highlighted the need for stricter food safety measures and vigilance in childcare centers to ensure the well-being of young children under their care.