SPPU Girls’ Hostel Mess Shut After FDA Inspection Over Food Safety Complaints

The SPPU girls’ hostel mess has been shut after an FDA inspection found hygiene violations, following student complaints about insects and foreign objects in food.

PUNE: The girls’ hostel mess at Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) has been shut following action by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) after an inspection revealed food safety and hygiene violations.

The action followed repeated complaints from students about the quality of meals served at the hostel. Students had reportedly raised concerns over insects and foreign objects being found in food, prompting the FDA to inspect the facility on October 6, 2026.

During the inspection, the FDA team reportedly found live cockroaches and unhygienic conditions in the kitchen and food storage areas. Officials also identified shortcomings in sanitation and food safety compliance.

The mess was operated by M/s Maratha Caterers, represented by Akash Mohite. Following the inspection, the FDA suspended the food registration certificate of the operator until the necessary improvements are made.

Students Report Insects and Foreign Objects in Food

The inspection came after several complaints about food served at the hostel. Students alleged that insects were found in poha served for breakfast on October 2 and 3. They had also reported plastic in vegetables served on September 28 and 29, along with a separate complaint about a metal wire being found in food.

Students had raised the issue with the university administration and sought corrective action. However, continuing concerns over food quality led them to approach the FDA.

Students Seek a Permanent Solution

Student representatives have welcomed the FDA’s intervention but said that closing the mess or taking temporary action alone may not resolve the recurring problem.

They have called on the university administration to establish a centrally managed mess under its direct supervision to ensure that students receive safe, hygienic and nutritious meals.

The incident has renewed concerns over food quality monitoring and accountability at university dining facilities. Students are now seeking lasting measures to prevent similar complaints from recurring.

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