A TOTAL of 97 students and teachers of the San Francisco Elementary School in Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro were hospitalized after eating “lumpia” or fried spring roll on Monday.
Of the total number of victims, 86 were students.
An investigation showed the victims bought the “lumpia” from a food vendor outside the school. After eating, the victims complained of stomach ache.
The victims were rushed to San Sebastian District Hospital for treatment.
As of Tuesday, 31 of the those who fell ill remain at the hospital for observation while the others were discharged after being given medical attention.
The Department of Education yesterday said it would investigate the incident.
DepEd spokesperson Michael Poa said that under a 2007 Department order, vendors outside are prohibited from bringing food items inside the school canteen or premises.
The directive aims to ensure the safety and health of school children.
Poa said school children are allowed to buy food only from the school canteen.
He said before school canteens are allowed to operate, they are required to secure sanitary permits and other health permits from the local government unit.
