NATALIA, Texas -- Three Natalia Independent School District teachers were rushed to the hospital when they became seriously ill after eating lunch Monday.
The teachers are identified as science teacher Donald Owen Kolle, science teacher Mridula Kamra, and social studies teacher Travis Shane Weissler.
Natalia ISD officials have asked for an investigation and said they felt it was needed because the illnesses did not seem like typical food poisoning.
"Food poisoning takes a little time once you digest the food," explained Natalia I.S.D. Superintendent Joey J. Moczygemba. "But this happened within 10-15 minutes after they ate."
The trio became ill Monday afternoon after eating a dish containing brussels sprouts, cherry tomatoes, kumquats, and some Middle Eastern spices that was brought to school by one of the three teachers.
"They started to feel a little ill, started to feel dizzy...almost like they were intoxicated," added Superintendent Moczygemba.
The Texas Rangers have been called into the investigation because Natalia ISD officials say they have more tools to conduct a complete investigation to determine whether or not someone poisoned the food on purpose.
Two of the teachers remain in the hospital in stable condition. One is at Christus Santa Rosa Hospital. The other is at Southwest General. The third teacher was treated and released.
News 4 WOAI asked if the food was ever out of the teacher's possession. That is still being determined.
Natalia ISD officials said no charges have been filed and that the poison could have been pesticides or a dangerous mix of spices.
