Patna, July 28 - At least 21 students of a school at Khemanbigha in Nalanda district fell ill soon after having their mid-day meal, officials said Tuesday. Their parents told police that a lizard was found in the food.

'They are suffering from food poisoning but after initial treatment they are out of danger,' said a doctor at the hospital where the children have been admitted after their meal Monday.

Various such cases have been reported in Bihar in the last one month.

Last Wednesday a lizard was found in the meal served at a school at Basniawa in Nalanda. Over 25 students fell ill. The state government has ordered arrest of five people, including the headmaster and two teachers of the school.

During an all-party meeting, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar admitted that there were shortcomings in the implementation of the mid-day meal scheme, under which students in government-run schools are served lunch.