18 pupils hospitalised after eating Osun free meal, govt begins probe

Osun State Government has begun an investigation into the reported case of about 18 pupils of James Primary School B, Osogbo, who reportedly landed in the hospitals after eating a mid-day meal served to them under the free school feeding programme of the state government.

The government also directed the stoppage of further food cooking at the affected school pending the outcome of the investigations.

A statement by the state Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, obtained in Osogbo on Tuesday, said the governor, Ademola Adeleke directed immediate action when the matter was reported to him.

According to the statement the victims have been treated and discharged from hospitals.

The statement read, “Osun State Government has ordered full investigations into the reported cases of food poisoning at St James primary School B, Owoope Osogbo

“The State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, directed immediate action when the matter was reported to him by the Special Adviser on O-Meal, Mrs Grace Ayodele. The Governor has subsequently directed the stoppage of further food cooking at the affected school pending the outcome of the investigations.

“The affected cooks in the said schools alongside the planning officer for the O-Meal programme have also been summoned to a meeting by Tuesday morning. Additionally, the governor has directed enforcement of food standards and control as well as the auditing of the O-Meal structure to forestall future occurrences.