Rourkela: Authorities of Biju Patnaik University of Technology (BPUT) here on Monday held discussions with hostel boarders over allegations of unhygienic food preparation at the canteen in the campus and assured them that necessary steps would be taken to ensure quality and hygiene.The issue erupted after a video purportedly showing a canteen worker kneading dough with his feet went viral on social media. The incident triggered protests by boarders on Sunday, with many boycotting breakfast and lunch and demanding action against the food contractor and those responsible for the alleged lapse.Students alleged the incident took place on Saturday evening and claimed unhygienic practices were being followed in the canteen. They also complained that hair and insects had been found in food served to them on earlier occasions.Following the protests, university authorities met the students on Sunday. The boarders later withdrew their protest and had dinner after being assured that their concerns would be addressed. A fact-finding committee was also constituted to examine the allegations.On Monday, BPUT authorities again met the hostel boarders and reiterated their commitment to ensuring hygienic food. BPUT director Shiv Kumar Mishra, however, rejected the allegation that a worker had kneaded dough with his feet. “The claim that a worker was pressing dough with his feet is false. The video footage does not establish that the worker was using his feet to knead dough,” Mishra said.He added that the university would take all necessary measures to improve food hygiene and that the fact-finding committee would investigate the students’ allegations. “Regarding the students’ concerns about food quality, we have assured them that hygienic food will be served. The fact-finding committee will examine all allegations and submit its findings,” Mishra said.
