Baleshwar: At least seven children were hospitalised after a dead lizard was allegedly found in the food served at an Anganwadi centre in Odisha’s Baleshwar district, triggering panic among parents and concerns over food safety at the facility.
According to preliminary information, the incident took place at the Anganwadi centre in Badagahama village under Maitapur panchayat in Simulia block of the district after children were served their regular meal.
Sources said a child noticed an unusual object in the food while eating. After close examination, it was found to be a dead lizard. The discovery sparked panic among the children and staff of the Anganwadi centre.
Following the incident, parents rushed the affected children to the Simulia Community Health Centre (CHC), where they were admitted for treatment. Doctors attending to the children said their condition is stable.
The incident sparked outrage among parents, who alleged negligence on the part of the Anganwadi staff and demanded strict action against those responsible for the alleged lapse.
Authorities concerned are yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.