Worms found in food at varsity refectory

Refectory does not possess crucial FDA licence, could face penalty

PUNE: Worms were found in the food served at the main refectory of the University of Pune on the second consecutive day on Saturday, sparking an angry protest from the students. It has been found that the refectory situated near the Jaykar library and which is being run by a private contractor does not have the mandatory licence issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) raising serious hygiene issues.

Around 950 students enrolled for different courses at the university rely on this very refectory, for which the university administration provides a rental-free space and free electricity. The refectory has been in the news in past also due to students' complaints about poor quality of food served. “The worms were found in one of the vegetables yesterday night and today morning also. These kind of incidences have taken place in the past also. The university administration should take immediate action as the issue is directly related to health of students,” Sagar Shinde, a student from the History department said.

FDA Pune division, assistant commissioner (food) Dilip Sangat told Sakal Times that all public canteens needed a mandatory licence as per the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which came into effect from August 2011. “If there are violations, the Act stipulates a penalty of Rs 10 lakh and a jail term depending on the outcome of serving substandard food,” Sangat said.

Somnath Tambe, a student from Political Science department alleged that the supervisory committee set up to ensure desired quality of food at the refectory was acting in favour of the private contractor. Several agitating students told Sakal Times that Deepak Gaikwad of the History department who heads the supervisory committee used abusive language when the matter of the worms was brought to his notice on Saturday.

Students are demanding that refectory be run by the university administration, by partly involving students under the 'earn and learn' scheme. When contacted, UoP Vice chancellor Wasudeo Gade told Sakal Times that the refectory contractor would be summoned immediately to discuss the issues raised by students regarding the quality of food served. Gade said that the refectory owner would be asked to comply with the FDA guidelines with immediate effect.