By Katrina Gracia Consebido
The Department of Education (DepEd) said on Saturday, May 21, that they are investigating the alleged food-borne illnesses involving students in Sta. Catalina, Negros Oriental.
The suspected food poisoning was caused by alleged contaminated milk distributed in schools under DepEd’s School-Based Feeding Program (SBFP).
SBFP is one of the Education department’s initiatives in addressing hunger and improving the nutritional status of each learner.
DepeD said it had coordinated with the involved local government unit, the National Dairy Authority, and concerned agencies for the analysis of milk samples and the investigation of the incident.
“Based on the field report, majority of the affected learners experienced mild illnesses, including dehydration and nausea. They were treated in nearby hospitals and were discharged later on,” DepEd said in a statement.
“Nonetheless, DepEd has facilitated the provision of immediate medical assistance to affected individuals and will continue to monitor their health status,” it furthered.
DepEd said it provided immediate medical assistance to affected individuals and assured to continue monitoring their health status. – gb
