Manipur: 60 students hospitalised in Ukhrul, Senapati after suspected food poisoning
In Ukhrul and Senapati districts of Manipur, at least 60 students from different schools were hospitalised after consuming a maize-based packaged snack sold near their campuses. Around 30 students from Anthony’s School in Taphou (Senapati) and another ~30 from KTL Excel Higher Secondary School in Ukhrul began vomiting and feeling unwell shortly after eating the snack. The product bore a manufacturing date of 30 October 2025 and expiry of 29 January 2026, and was imported into the state from another part of India. While the exact cause is still under medical investigation, authorities suspect food poisoning. Officials have urged parents to check their children’s snacks and discard any similar items.
On Thursday, students from two different schools in Manipur’s hill districts fell ill after eating a maize-based snack sold near their campuses. In Senapati district, at Anthony’s School in Taphou village, around 30 students were affected, experiencing vomiting and uneasiness shortly after consuming the snack. In Ukhrul district, at KTL Excel Higher Secondary School, approximately another 30 studentsreported similar symptoms.
The snack in question was purchased from a local shop (Variety Dukan, Viewland Bazar) and the packaging showed a manufacturing date of 30 October 2025 and an expiry date of 29 January 2026. The product reportedly had an FSSAI number, and was manufactured by an Indian food company and imported into Manipur from other states.
All the affected students were hospitalised and are now said to be in stable condition, though the investigation remains ongoing. Officials are treating the incident as a suspected case of food-poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How many students fell ill and where?
About 60 students in total: ~30 students from Anthony’s School (Taphou, Senapati) and ~30 from KTL Excel Higher Secondary School (Ukhrul) were hospitalised after consuming the same snack.
Q2: What snack caused the illness?
A maize-based packaged snack purchased from a local shop near the schools. The product packaging showed a manufacturing date of 30 October 2025 and expiry date 29 January 2026, and had an FSSAI number.
Q3: What symptoms did the students experience?
They began vomiting, complained of uneasiness, and were taken to hospital. The onset was shortly after consumption of the snack, pointing towards suspected food-poisoning.
Q4: Are all students fine now?
Officials have said that all the affected students are in stable condition. A full medical investigation is underway.
Q5: What should parents and schools do now?
Parents: check snack packaging (dates, batch, regulatory mark), avoid questionable items, discard suspicious snacks and monitor children for symptoms.
Schools: review and restrict sale of outside packaged snacks near campus, engage with vendors and regulatory bodies to ensure safety, maintain awareness sessions.
Regulators: trace the batch, inspect vehicles/vendors, inspect school areas near sale of snacks, conduct recalls if needed.
