SHRC takes suo motu cognizance of food poisoning incident at welfare hostel

The State Human Rights Commission (HRC), based on news reports in a daily, has taken suo motu cognizance of the food poisoning incident at Government BC Welfare Hostel, Dharmavaram, in Jogulamba Gadwal district.

According to sources, 55 students at the boys’ hostel fell ill after consuming meals on Friday (October 31). Several students had complained of symptoms such as dizziness, stomach ache and vomiting, and two of them complained of shortness of breath.

Noting “serious lapses in food safety, hygiene, and supervision,” the HRC directed the Chief Secretary to inquire and submit a comprehensive report. The Commission wanted the authority to explain the circumstances leading to the incident, present condition of students and treatment provided, medical findings and causes of the food poisoning, action taken against those found negligent, and measures adopted to ensure food safety and hygiene in all government welfare hostels.