'Soto ayam' poisons students

DENPASAR, Bali: Dozens of students at an elementary school in Tabanan, 20 kilometers west of here, were rushed to a nearby hospital for suspected food poisoning after consuming soto ayam (chicken soup) sold at their school canteen.

Capt. Adi Antara, an officer from the Bali Police Information Office, said the students from SD Wanasari II raised symptoms with their teacher that included feelings of weakness, splitting headaches and extreme nausea.

An employee at the Tabanan General Hospital, where the students were admitted, said that at least 37 students had been placed in intensive care. "They were most likely poisoned," he said.

The students were subsequently discharged after receiving medication.

"They are now in good condition, (it was) nothing to worry about," a hospital staff member said. (zen/sur)