A disturbing case of mass food poisoning has shaken Telangana, with 67 Gurukul students falling ill on December 12, 2025. The incident, reported from multiple schools in Hyderabad, has raised serious concerns about food safety standards in government and minority residential institutions.
The Incident
According to officials, 44 students from a government Gurukul school in Chandru Nayak Thanda near Hitech City were the first to report symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain after consuming their midday meal. They were immediately rushed to the Kondapur Government Hospital, where doctors confirmed food poisoning. Six of these students are said to be in critical condition and are under intensive care.
In a separate case, 23 students from a minority Gurukul school in Bagh Lingampalli also fell ill after lunch. They were taken to King Kothi Hospital for treatment. Meanwhile, several other affected students are undergoing medical care at Niloufer Hospital, one of Hyderabad’s leading pediatric facilities.
Medical Response
Doctors attending to the students have confirmed food poisoning as the cause, though samples of the food served are being tested to identify contamination. Health officials have assured that all necessary medical support is being provided, with teams of pediatricians and gastroenterologists monitoring the situation closely.
Government Action
The Telangana Education Department has ordered an immediate inquiry into the incident. Officials are investigating whether the food supplied to these Gurukul schools was contaminated during preparation or storage. The state government has also directed district authorities to conduct surprise inspections of kitchens in all residential schools to prevent similar occurrences.
Parents’ Concerns
Parents of the affected children expressed shock and anger, demanding accountability from school authorities. Many questioned the hygiene standards maintained in Gurukul kitchens, which cater to thousands of students daily. The incident has reignited debate over the quality of food served under government‑run schemes.
The mass food poisoning case in Telangana highlights the urgent need for stricter monitoring of food safety in residential schools. With 67 students hospitalized and six in critical condition, the incident serves as a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities in institutional food supply chains. Authorities now face mounting pressure to ensure accountability and implement stronger safeguards to protect students’ health.
