Odisha schoolgirl dies after eating fermented rice; experts warn of summer food safety

A 12-year-old girl died and over 150 students fell ill after eating fermented rice at a school in Odisha, India. The students consumed pakhala bhaat, mashed potato, and mango chutney. Symptoms included vomiting and diarrhea, leading to the girl's death. Authorities are investigating the incident at the government tribal residential school. Pakhala bhaat is fermented rice, a dish requiring careful preparation, especially in summer due to accelerated fermentation and increased risk of spoilage and contamination.