PUNE: Idli samples sent for testing to the State Public Health Laboratory were found contaminated with E Coli bacterium, certain strains of which can cause food poisoning and may even be life-threatening.
On Saturday, 132 students of a civic-run school had been admitted to different hospitals with complaints of vomiting and nausea after they ate idlis, served under the mid-day meal scheme.
Based on the laboratory results, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has now decided to file a criminal case against the mid-day meal service provider, Sai Vyavasaik Gat, a self-help group.
A person infected with E Coli bacteria can experience abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, fatigue and diarrhea. A healthy adult will usually make a full recovery from the infection within 3 or 4 days. However, young children, elderly individuals and patients with a weakened immune system can develop potentially fatal HUS (hemolytic uremic syndrome), a type of kidney failure, said infectious disease expert Bharat Purandare.
"The lab report has made it clear that the idlis served under the mid-day meal scheme were contaminated and unfit for human consumption. We are now going to seek the consent of the FDA commissioner to file a criminal case against Sai Vyavasaik Gat," said Chandrashekhar Salunke, joint commissioner (food), FDA.
"E Coli bacteria isolated in the sample can cause food poisoning, hence it is unfit for human consumption," states the SPHL's lab report.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already issued notices to the mid-day meal provider, the grocery shop owner and the operator of a flour mill - all located in Parvati - for violating provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, on Monday.
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