PATNA, India — Nineteen children have died and more are sick after eating free meals at a primary school in eastern India.


Bihar state official Amarjit Sinha says 28 children have been hospitalized in Patna, the state capital. Ten of them are in serious condition. The children are age 8 to 11.


They fell ill soon after eating meals in the school on Tuesday in Masrakh, a village 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of Patna.


The meal was cooked in the school kitchen.


P.K. Sahi, the state education minister, says a preliminary investigation suggests the food had traces of phosphorous, which is used to preserve rice and wheat.


Many state governments in India have launched midday meal programs for poor children. Malnutrition is one of the major health concerns among Indian children.



Also on HuffPost:




Loading Slideshow...



  • Trader Joe's Pulls 'Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice' Over Listeria Risk


    In early December, Trader Joe's announced that the producer behind its <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/03/trader-joes-recall-butter-chicken_n_2231507.html?utm_hp_ref=food-safety" target="_hplink">"Trader Joe's Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice" was recalling 4,865 pounds of the product</a> because they may be contaminated with Listeria. The product was distributed nationwide, to stores in New York, Massachusetts, Virginia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, North Carolina, Connecticut, Florida, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maine and Rhode Island.




  • Fresh Express Recalls Spinach Packages Over Salmonella Risk


    Salad distributor Fresh Express voluntarily recalled 9 oz. packages of spinach in November because they may be <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/08/fresh-express-spinach-recall_n_2094286.html?utm_hp_ref=food-safety" target="_hplink">tainted with salmonella bacteria</a>. The packages were sold to stores in Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington State and Wyoming.




  • Wegmans Recalls Spinach And Spring Mix Salad Following E. Coli Outbreak


    <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/02/wegmans-salad-recall-e-coli_n_2063939.html?utm_hp_ref=food-safety" target="_hplink">Sixteen cases of E. coli were linked to organic spinach and spring mix salads from Wegmans</a>, which in early November recalled 5 and 11-ounce packages of the products.




  • Publix Pulls 45 Cake Varieties From Florida Shelves


    In November, Publix supermarkets in several Florida counties pulled 45 varieties of cake from shelves because of fears they may have been <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/16/publix-cake-recall_n_2146833.html?utm_hp_ref=food-safety" target="_hplink">contaminated with Listeria bacteria</a>.




  • Smoked Salmon The Culprit In Widespread Salmonella Outbreak


    Authorities in the Netherlands said in October that tainted <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/02/smoked-salmon-salmonella_n_1931940.html?utm_hp_ref=food-safety" target="_hplink">smoked salmon is the cause of a salmonella outbreak that sickened hundreds of people</a>. The same product may also be responsible for a multi-state outbreak in the U.S.




  • Kellogg's Recalls Millions Of Mini-Wheats Boxes


    In October, <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/11/kelloggs-mini-wheats-recall_n_1957487.html?utm_hp_ref=food-safety" target="_hplink">Kellogg's announced the recall of millions of boxes of Mini-Wheats cereal</a> after reports of pieces of metal mesh found within by some consumers. A "faulty manufacturing part" was reportedly to blame.




  • Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Found In Pork Samples


    An investigation by Consumer Reports found that a shockingly high proportion of pork sold in grocery stores tested positive for potentially harmful bacteria. About 69 percent of the pork chop and ground pork samples tested <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/27/pork-investigation-consumer-reports_n_2197316.html?utm_hp_ref=food-safety" target="_hplink">contained Yersinia enterocolitica bacteria, which sickens about 100,000 people a year</a>. Most of the bacteria found was resistant to at least one form of antibiotic.




  • McDonald's Location Implicated In Rare Salmonella Outbreak


    A McDonald's eatery in Bloomington, Ill. was <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/27/mcdonalds-bloomington-salmonella_n_2197920.html?utm_hp_ref=food-safety" target="_hplink">linked to a string of salmonella sickenings</a> involving several restaurants between October 18 and November 11. It closed down as investigators tested every employee. Those who fell ill were sick for about a week with a particularly nasty strain -- Salmonella Stanley -- which is rare outside of Southeast Asia.




  • Sunland Linked To Widespread Salmonella Outbreak, Plant Shuttered


    In November, the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/26/sunland-peanut-butter-plant-fda_n_2194620.html?utm_hp_ref=food-safety" target="_hplink">FDA shuttered Sunland Inc.'s plant</a> months after it was first implicated in a widespread salmonella outbreak that sickened 41 people in 20 states. Peanut and other nut butters sold at chains including Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, Safeway and Target.




  • Canadian Beef In E. Coli Enter U.S. Markets


    In September, the USDA reported that ground beef part of a nationwide Canadian recall for E. coli contamination had <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/21/ground-beef-canada-e-coli_n_1903482.html?utm_hp_ref=food-safety">found its way into the U.S.</a> The beef, which was originally produced by Alberta-based company XL Foods, was distributed in California, Michigan, Nebraska, Oregon, Texas, Utah and Wisconsin.




  • Kroger Pulls Spinach Bags In 15 States Over Listeria Risk


    In September, <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/19/spinach-listeria-recall-kroger_n_1897855.html?utm_hp_ref=food-safety">Kroger recalled 10 oz. bags of packaged spinach</a> that had been distributed in 15 states, citing a potential Listeria contamination.




  • Undercover Report Finds Illegal Rat Meat Sold In London Market


    An undercover investigation led by the BBC found "<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/18/rat-meat-london_n_1891832.html">shocking quantities" of "potentially unsafe" rat meat</a> sold at one of London's most popular markets, Ridley Road Market. Large quantities of other illegal bushmeat were also for sale.




  • Egg Farm Manager Pleads Guilty To Bribing USDA Inspector


    Former egg farm manager Tony Wasmund plead guilty in September to <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/12/tony-wasmund-bribery-egg-farm-salmonella_n_1877784.html?utm_hp_ref=food-safety">conspiring to bribe a USDA inspector</a> to allow the sale of unapproved eggs. The farm at which Wasmund worked, DeCoster Farms in Iowa City, Iowa, was blamed for a salmonella outbreak that sickened about 2,000 people.




  • KFC Employees Claim Eatery Sold Expired Meat


    In September, workers at a Conroe, Tex. KFC said they <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/12/kfc-spoiled-chicken-conroe-texas_n_1876870.html?utm_hp_ref=food-safety">sold expired chicken</a>. The meat was allegedly six days past the date at which it was supposed to have been thrown out.




  • Three Deaths Linked To Listeria-Tainted Rescolina Ricotta


    In September, it was announced that <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/12/listeria-cheese_n_1876930.html?utm_hp_ref=food-safety">14 hospitalizations and three deaths were linked to Listeria-tainted cheese</a> imported from Italy. Frescolina brand Ricotta Salata was recalled by distributor Forever Cheese Inc. following reports.




  • 16-State Salmonella Outbreak Traced To Mexican Mangos


    In August, <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/31/mango-salmonella-outbreak_n_1846116.html?utm_hp_ref=food-safety">more than 100 people across 16 states reportedly were sickened with salmonella after eating mangos</a>. In September, the Food and Drug Administration detained mango imports from a Mexican packing house after the fruits were <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/14/mexican-mango-salmonella-imports_n_1885418.html?utm_hp_ref=food-safety">linked to the sickenings</a>.




  • 2,920 Pounds Of Beef Recalled For Pen Fragments


    In August, Wisconsin outfit Klement's Sausage Company Inc. <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/31/pen-bratwurst-recall_n_1847002.html?utm_hp_ref=food-safety">recalled 2,920 pounds of frozen beef because they may contain pieces of a plastic pen</a>.




  • Cantaloupe Salmonella Outbreak Kills 2, Sickens 141


    In August, it was determined that a <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/18/cantaloupe-salmonella-outbreak-indiana_n_1799225.html?utm_hp_ref=food-safety">salmonella outbreak linked to cantaloupe sickened nearly 150 people and contributed to the deaths of two</a>. The outbreak, which began in July, affected consumers in Indiana, Kentucky and Minnesota.




  • E. Coli Risk Prompts 38,200-Pound Beef Recall


    In August, Utah company Dale T. Smith and Sons Meat Packing <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/15/dale-t-smith-beef-recall-e-coli_n_1778855.html?utm_hp_ref=food-safety">recalled 38,200 pounds of beef</a> due to a possible E. coli contamination.




  • Apple Slices At McDonald's, Burger King Recalled Over Listeria Risk


    <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/10/apple-slices-mcdonalds-listeria-burger-king-recalled_n_1766286.html?utm_hp_ref=food-safety">Apple slices sold in children's meals at fast food chains McDonald's and Burger King were recalled</a> in August due to a potential Listeria contamination. The slices were also distributed to Wawa convenience stores and Wegman's grocery chains.




  • 300 Arkansas Prison Inmates Sickened By Chicken Salad


    In August, 300 prisoners in an Arkansas prison were stricken with food poisoning after <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/10/arkansas-prison-food-poisoning_n_1765236.html?utm_hp_ref=food-safety">consuming tainted chicken salad</a>.




  • E. Coli Picnic Outbreak Kills 1, Sickens 75


    An <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/25/e-coli-picnic_n_1701467.html">E. coli outbreak in July traced to a company picnic in Ohio</a> is responsible for the sickenings of 75 people and the death of one. Lowell Draffen, a 73-year-old former superintendent at several school districts in Ohio, developed developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a type of kidney failure and passed away.




  • Meatball Manufacturer Recalls 324,700 Pounds Of Meat For Listeria Risk


    In July, New Jersey-based manufacturer Buona Vita Inc. <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/09/meatball-recall-listeria_n_1656687.html">recalled about 324,700 pounds of frozen, ready-to-eat meat and poultry products</a>, citing a possible listeria contamination. The items included meatballs, chicken and beef patties, and loafs of chicken and beef.




  • Bagged Salad Producer Recalls Products Nationwide For Listeria Risk


    California lettuce producer River Ranch Fresh Foods <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/21/river-ranch-fresh-foods-bagged-salad-recall_n_1534306.html">voluntarily recalled bags of its salads nationwide</a> in May when some routing testing returned positive for listeria. No illnesses were reported.




  • KFC Order To Pay $8.3 Million To Family Of Salmonella Victim


    In April, fast food giant <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/27/kfc-ruling-salmonella-poisoning_n_1458031.html">KFC was ordered to pay $8.3 million to the family of Monika Samaan</a>, who at age seven contracted a serious case of salmonella after dining at a KFC eatery. The episode left her confined to a wheelchair with serious brain damage.




  • Mad Cow Disease Confirmed In California Dairy Cow


    The USDA confirmed in April a <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/24/mad-cow-disease-california-usda_n_1449871.html?utm_hp_ref=food-safety">case of mad cow disease in a dairy cow</a> found at a California transfer station. The finding sparked widespread panic in the U.S. beef community.




  • 'Tuna Scrape' Sickens 116 People With Salmonella In 20-State Outbreak


    In April, a <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/16/yellowfin-spicy-tuna-sushi-salmonella_n_1428116.html?utm_hp_ref=food-safety">salmonella outbreak linked to a yellowfin tuna product</a> made by Moon Marine USA Corp. was first reported. The culprit was "tuna scrape," a product made by scraping backmeat off fish bones, give it a ground-like appearance. It's often used in sushi. A <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/25/salmonella-sushi-lawsuit_n_1453115.html">lawsuit linked to the outbreak</a> was later filed.




  • 756 Cases Of Dole Bagged Salad Pulled For Salmonella Risk


    In April, <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/15/dole-bagged-salad-recall_n_1427120.html?utm_hp_ref=food-safety">Dole Food Co. pulled 756 cases of bagged lettuce citing a salmonella risk</a>. The bags of Seven Lettuces were sold to stores in Alabama, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and Wisconsin.




  • 'Pink Slime' Incites Concern, Debate


    <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/16/pink-slime-food-safety-farm-bill_n_1428245.html?utm_hp_ref=food-safety">"Pink slime" became one of the biggest stories of the year</a> in March when food activists went wild over the beef filler often used in school cafeterias. The finely textured beef product, made with scraps from more premium cuts, is treated with ammonia before being sold as ground beef.




  • Poland Recalls 500,000 Pounds Of Food Suspected To Contain Road Salt


    In March, Polish health authorities recalled more than 500,000 pounds of pickles, bread and other foods they believe <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/09/poland-food-recall_n_1334392.html?utm_hp_ref=food-safety">may contain with industrial road salt</a> unfit for human consumption.




  • Woman Sues Taco Bell Over Alleged Salmonella Sickening


    Oklahoma resident Leah Smith <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/22/taco-bell-lawsuit_n_1293515.html?utm_hp_ref=food-safety">filed a lawsuit against Taco Bell</a> in February, alleging that she contracted salmonella poisoning after eating food from the fast food chain. The chain was fingered as the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/02/taco-bell-salmonella_n_1249683.html?utm_hp_ref=food-safety">likely culprit behind a string of salmonella sickenings</a> in October and November of 2011.




  • 2,800 Sandwiches Recalled For Listeria Risk


    South Carolina company Grand Strand Sandwich Co. <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/08/chicken-salad-sandwiches-recalled_n_1262178.html?utm_hp_ref=food-safety">recalled about 2,800 of its chicken salad sandwiches</a> in February, citing potential listeria contamination.




  • 15,000 Pails Of Eggs Recalled For Listeria Risk


    Minnesota-based company Michael Foods <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/03/egg-recall-2012-listeria_n_1252484.html">recalled 15,000 pails of eggs in brine</a> in early February, citing potential listeria contamination. The eggs, which were meant for institutional use, had been distributed in 34 states.




  • Unpasteurized Tempeh Linked To Salmonella Outbreak That Sickens 60


    <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/08/tempeh-salmonella-outbreak_n_1500383.html">Unpasteurized tempeh produced by North Carolina company Smiling Hara was linked in February to a rare strain of salmonella</a> that sickened 60 people. The outbreak strain, Salmonella Paratyphyi B, can cause severe symptoms. Of those 60 people, several people were hospitalized.




  • Raw Sprouts At Jimmy John's Responsible For E. Coli Cases


    In February, it was determined that<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/16/jimmy-johns-e-coli_n_1281448.html"> raw sprouts served in dishes at sandwich chain Jimmy John's were behind 12 cases of E. coli</a> poisonings in five states.




  • 19 Sickened With Drug-Resistant Salmonella Strain After Eating Beef


    In January, it was reported that <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/06/drug-resistant-salmonella-outbreak_n_1189182.html?utm_hp_ref=food-safety">19 people had fallen ill with a drug-resistant strain of salmonella</a> after eating beef sold at Scarborough, Maine-based supermarket chain Hannaford.




  • Fromagerie Marie Kade Cheeses Recalled For Listeria Risk


    A recall Fromagerie Marie Kade cheeses that began in the last days of 2011 and lasted through early 2012 was called by Massachusetts health officials due to a potential listeria risk.