Twenty-one elementary school pupils from Bubog Elementary School in Talisay City, Negros Occidental, fell ill after allegedly consuming expired imported chocolates.
The pupils, ranging from Grades 3 to 5, began experiencing severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting around 8 a.m. and received medical attention at the Talisay City Health Office (CHO).
Dr. Joey Villarosa, the medical officer for the Negros Occidental Schools Division, confirmed that the affected pupils received treatment and later left the health office with prescriptions. Authorities are investigating whether a pupil distributed or sold the chocolates.
Earlier reports indicate that the pupil’s parent brought the chocolates to school after purchasing them in Manila.
When officials inspected the pupil’s bag, they found unopened chocolate bars with an expiration date of September 17, 2024.
The school’s teachers quickly contacted Barangay Bubog officials for help. The officials used a local ambulance to transport the pupils to the health office for care. Of the 21 affected pupils, two were in Grade 3, four in Grade 4, and 15 in Grade 5.
Dr. Villarosa emphasized that the school allows only the sale of food items within the canteen, and that all sealed products must bear the Sangkap Pinoy seal to ensure safety and quality.
If the investigation confirms that the pupil sold or distributed the chocolates without the knowledge of the school’s authorities, it would violate school regulations, he added.
As of press time, authorities work to gather further information about the incident.*
Reymund Titong is a Filipino journalist steadily building his voice in the field of news reporting, driven by a commitment to tell meaningful and relevant stories.
He serves as a correspondent for Rappler, maintains a personal blog on Medium, and is the communications officer of Hope Builders Organization Negros Island.