250 NDA cadets hospitalised briefly after lunch, probe ordered

Lt Cdr Devasia said an inquiry had been ordered and that samples of rajma curry, egg curry and other items served on Thursday would be sent for tests to a laboratory. He clarified that of the 1980 cadets who had the lunch at the mess, only 250 complained of “indigestion problem”.

The food served during breakfast and lunch was as per the daily protocol, the PRO said.

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The cadet mess is managed by over 100 staff. A catering officer plans menu for the week and depending on the availability of vegetables, menu is decided and cleared by higher officers. The catering officer also has the responsibility of checking food quality.

“For lunch on Thursday, it was egg curry for non-vegetarians and rajma curry for vegetarians. After lunch, we had cadets coming in groups with complaints of stomach pain, vomiting and loose motions. Immediately, they were admitted to the hospital. On Friday, they are back on their training schedule. We want to reiterate it was case of indigestion,” the PRO said.

The probe will also cover the quality of ration supplied by several contractors. “Their contracts are renewed annually. If there is any issue about the quality, action will be initiated accordingly,” NDA officials said.