Food Poisoning: SBS School Counters Speculation in FAQ to Parents

On 5 April, several students of the Step by Step school in Noida fell ill after eating food at the canteen.

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Days after students and staff of the Step by Step School in Noida fell ill, allegedly after eating the food served at its canteen, the school has issued a detailed statement, titled ‘FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)’ to parents.

The school authorities have said that the incident, which occurred on 5 April and purportedly left around 150 students feeling unwell, "seems to be a case of food poisoning", based on initial assessment by the doctors.

As soon as we received this information, the school immediately suspended the services of Sodexo, the operator of the canteen... and called upon its senior management to respond urgently with respect to the current situation.

Step by Step School, in the statement

'Food and Water Samples Sent to Independent Labs of International Repute'

The school stated that it had sent food and water samples to independent labs "of international repute" for testing, and that it would share the findings with the parents once the reports come in later this week.

The school's communication regarding sending the samples to “independent labs” for testing comes after the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) reportedly said that it never received any samples. Moreover, the FSDA has claimed that barring edible oil and carom seeds, the body did not find any samples when its team went to the school for examination. The authorities admitted that the the lack of samples "might not yield anything" in their testing.

Defending its immediate response to the incident, SBS school, in its FAQ statement, pointed out how it phoned Max Hospital and immediately informed the parents of the affected students. It also emphasised on a two-step process it has followed to ensure food quality assurance.

Sodexo follows its own protocols where the food samples are kept for 72 hours. In addition, the school also monitors and supervises the rations and stores daily.

Step by Step School

'Did Not Deny Access to Local Authorities'

The school also sought to categorically deny media reports purportedly claiming the denial of access to local administration officials,.

Local authorities were given access to the school, and certain officials also collected food samples. We understand that certain officials have complained of being denied access to the school premises. In this regard, we wish to convey our regret of such perception. The school has not, and shall never, hinder any authority or public official in the discharge of his/her duties.

Step by Step school

The school also acknowledged the "overwhelming support" from the parents in the aftermath of the incident, pointing out how they were the first ones to defend the school from media speculation.

In the meantime, the education department has served the school with a notice, asking it to explain why it refused to acknowledge any case of food poisoning, reported The Times of India. PK Upadhyay, the district inspector of schools told the daily: “The school has been asked to respond immediately on why it misled officials and resorted to lies. No response has come from the school so far. In case they do not reply and cooperate, we will write to the divisional commissioner to cancel its license”.