Snake Found in School Lunch: Over 100 Children Hospitalized

More than 100 students have been hospitalised in Mokama, Bihar, after reportedly consuming a school lunch that contained a dead snake.

The incident took place at a government-run school and has triggered protests and a call for investigations by India’s National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

According to a report by CBS News, the cook allegedly served the food after removing the dead snake. "Reportedly, the cook served the food to the children after removing a dead snake from it," the NHRC stated in a press release.

The NHRC has demanded that local authorities and police investigate reports that over 100 children fell ill following the meal.

Approximately 500 children are believed to have eaten the food. News of the incident led to demonstrations by families and villagers, with roads reportedly being blocked in protest.

India’s Mid-Day Meal programme provides free lunches to millions of children in government schools. It was first introduced in Chennai (then Madras) in 1925 to support children from low-income backgrounds.

Despite its wide reach, the programme has occasionally faced scrutiny over hygiene and food safety. In 2013, 23 children died after consuming a contaminated meal in Saran district, Bihar, prompting nationwide reforms.

In the latest case, no official statement has confirmed the source or reason for the contamination, but investigations are ongoing.

Potential Health Risks of Consuming Snake-Contaminated Food

Consuming food that has come into contact with dead snake tissue carries several health risks. Snakes can carry harmful bacteria such as Salmonella, which may cause food poisoning when ingested.

Dead snakes may also host parasites or transmit zoonotic diseases—illnesses that can spread from animals to humans.

In addition, depending on the species, venomous snakes may still secrete venom after death. If the venom contaminates food, it may pose further risk, although ingestion of venom is generally less harmful than injection through a bite.

Nonetheless, contamination of food by dead wild animals, including snakes, presents a significant public health concern and should be treated with caution.