Nagpur: Undergraduate students at AIIMS-Nagpur on Wednesday evening alleged that the food served at their campus hostel mess contained insects and a caterpillar, triggering concern and questions about food safety at the premier institute.Students alleged that during dinner, a deep-fried caterpillar was found in a serving, a dead insect was spotted on fruit pieces, and a fly-like object appeared in a vegetable dish. A sponge-like material was reportedly found in mushroom curry, with some students realising the issue only after consuming the food, they alleged. Several students immediately stopped eating and expressed strong displeasure over what they described as gross negligence.
One of the deans said AIIMS follows a “zero tolerance” policy on food safety and hygiene. “If found true, action will be taken against the contractor,” the dean said.The dean said foul play cannot be ruled out, and an inquiry will be instituted to ascertain the facts. The dean clarified that the current mess contractor is new, took charge on February 1, and that all mandatory norms, including medical check-ups of kitchen staff, were completed.Students’ representatives said that “there is a possibility of mischief by some people” as they did not receive a complaint but found the issue going viral on social media.The dean said the mess undergoes daily deep cleaning around 10 pm, and faculty members carry out random plate checks during breakfast, lunch, and dinner hours.While no formal written complaint was received so far, the dean assured that if the allegations are found to be true, strict action would be taken against the contractor. “We eat the same food. Student safety is non-negotiable,” the dean said.Students also claimed that limited dining space and insufficient serving counters often lead to overcrowding. The administration acknowledged that on the same day, 1 serving counter was found to be understaffed, leading to longer queues, and said corrective steps were taken immediately.On WhatsApp groups, students questioned how such lapses could occur, especially after a recent change in the mess contract that raised expectations of better quality and safer food.
