At least 78 students from six public schools in Tijuana, Baja California, were poisoned after eating spoiled breakfasts distributed by AB Alimentos Nutraséuticos Funcionales SA de CV, as part of the government’s “Full Belly, Happy Heart” program.
The first alert was issued yesterday morning at the Héroes de la Reforma and Lázaro Cárdenas elementary schools, where officials notified parents that some children had diarrhea and vomited after eating the school breakfast.
The notice asked families to pick up the children and take them to the hospital immediately. The notice also asked them to request medical certificates so the company could cover the associated costs.
State Health Secretary Adrián Medina Amarillas stated that a total of 78 children presented symptoms; meanwhile, 669 students from 21 schools were reported to have come into contact with the aforementioned food.
She clarified that no serious cases have occurred, as most of those treated in medical units have been discharged and are receiving follow-up care and support at home.
She also confirmed that the consumption of spoiled chicken included in the breakfasts provided by AB Alimentos caused the food poisoning.
The students cited the dish of the day—chicken tinga tacos—as the food they ate before experiencing symptoms such as vomiting and general malaise.
Emergency services and the municipal police responded to reports sent to the 911 emergency number, and the first 40 children were immediately taken to various hospitals.
Morena Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda said she ordered an investigation to determine who was responsible for what happened to the children and emphasized that most were out of danger.
The contract with the company is for 26 pesos per meal for 345,000 students, with a daily cost of 2,267,000 pesos plus eight percent VAT.
According to regional public tender 32065001-001-2025, the service provides nutritionally sound food for the state’s elementary school population, effective for the 2025-2026 school year.
Source: jornada
