In the letter to the district administration, the school also stated that it is focused on the well-being of the children and is in constant touch with the parents.
Step by Step school
In view of the shocking incident of 25 kids falling ill after having lunch in Step by Step School in Sector 132, Noida, the school authorities have written to district administration saying that they will fully cooperate in the investigation. They have also extended their apologies for the mishap that happened on the premises.
In the letter, the school authorities have said that it was a case of food poisoning. The school has suspended services of the food vendor, Sodexo, and demanded the senior management to look into the matter. They also stated that they are focused on the well-being of the children and are in constant touch with the parents.
"On April 5, some of the students went to the infirmary and complained of nausea, vomiting and stomach ache; the school provided the necessary first-level treatment to them. After some time, more students came with the same symptoms, and then a team of doctors was called in from Max hospital for treatment and the parents of the students were informed," read the letter.
“The school respects the rule of law, the government and the administration, however, they have a protocol which people have to follow to enter school premises. After it came to notice that senior officials were denied access, we provided them with everything they wanted — and even food samples were collected... ” the letter further stated.
The school reopened on Monday and parents were told by the school management that kids should bring lunch from their home till the situation normalised. “The canteen was suspended after the incident. Unless the issue is resolved, the students are advised to bring their tiffins from their respective homes,” the letter said.
Although, most of the kids have been released, around seven students are still admitted to different hospitals in the NCR. Despite the assurances from the school, parents are worried about the safety of their children after the incident.
“Although food poisoning can happen to anyone, at any place — still — it is the responsibility of the school to take care of our children. We will give our kids tiffin rather than allow them to eat again at the school mess,” said a parent.
Meanwhile, the food department has also taken samples from Sapphire International School in Sector 70, Noida.
The district administration also lodged an FIR against the school management under IPC Sections 328 (causing hurt by means of poison), 341(punishment for wrongful restraint) and 332 (voluntarily causing hurt to deter public servant from his duty).
