FOOD POISON. At least 45 children were brought to the hospital after eating banana fritters accidentally laced with tawas (potassium alum) in M’lang, North Cotabato on Monday (May 22, 2023). Thirty of the affected learners from the Palma Perez Elementary School (inset) were discharged Tuesday. (Photo courtesy of NDBC Kidapawan)
M'LANG, North Cotabato – Thirty of the 45 students at the Palma Perez Elementary School here were discharged from the hospital after allegedly being poisoned by the “maruya” (banana fritters) they took for snacks on Monday.
Dr. Jun Sotea, the municipal health officer, said at least 15 students remained in the hospital for further observation.
“They were advised by doctors for confinement for more tests,” he said of the pupils who were brought to a local hospital around noontime Monday.
Based on their initial findings, Sotea said the vendor near the school, mistakenly used “tawas” (potassium alum) instead of white sugar.
Upon consumption, the schoolers, aged 7 to 12, experienced stomach aches, vomiting, and dizziness.
Barangay Palma Perez chair Edward Borromeo believes that the vendor, who also resides in their village, unintentionally used the “tawas” compound instead of white sugar due to their close similarity in granule and color.
He said the vendor has been selling “maruya” and other affordable food for the school children for the past 10 years. (PNA)
