Three students at a Maine high school accidentally ate baked potting soil during a community charity event after it was mistaken for dessert, school officials said.
Incident at Medomak Valley High School
The mishap occurred Wednesday during the annual Empty Bowl Supper at Medomak Valley High School, a community service event organized by the school. According to a statement from Principal Linda Pease, the soil had been prepared earlier in the day for a science project. Students working with a teacher baked the potting soil in a foil-covered dish to sterilize it for an experiment on plant growth.
How the Mix-Up Happened
The dish was set aside near the stove, separate from the food prepared for the supper. However, during the rush to serve the meal, the soil was mistakenly brought to the serving tables. "In the effort to quickly deliver food to the serving tables, the dish was mistakenly identified as part of the meal and brought out for service," Pease said. "Three students briefly put some of the soil in their mouths, believing it to be a dessert item, before immediately realizing what it was."
Aftermath and Response
The dish was removed from the serving area, and officials stressed the incident was accidental. Administrators contacted the parents of the affected students and spoke with the children at school the next day. "Those involved in organizing the Empty Bowl Supper, a longstanding community service event that means a great deal to our school and community, are deeply sorry that this occurred," Pease added.
