More than a dozen students have fallen ill after being fed raw chicken at Kaitaia College yesterday.

School lunch provider Bells Produce has been stood down while authorities investigate.

The Education Ministry says the school's principal acted immediately by contacting the local hospital and collecting food samples for testing.

Principal Louise Anaru says three children had to be taken for medical attention yesterday after suffering stomach cramps.

"We phoned all of the parents of any children who were absent today, another 14 students had food poisoning symptoms." 

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