Baleshwar: More than seven children were hospitalised after a dead gecko was allegedly found in the food served at an Anganwadi centre in Baleshwar district, triggering panic among parents and raising concerns over food safety at the facility.
The incident took place at the Anganwadi centre in Badagahama village under Maitapur panchayat in Simulia block, where children were served their regular meal.
According to reports, one of the children noticed an unusual object in the food while eating. Initially mistaking it for a vegetable, the child examined it closely and allegedly found it to be a dead gecko. The discovery caused panic among the children and the Anganwadi staff.
Following the incident, concerned 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 worker in ensuring the quality and safety of the food served to the children. They demanded strict action against those responsible for the alleged lapse.
Authorities had not issued an official statement on the incident till the filing of this report.
