Panic ensued at the Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology in Udham Singh Nagar after approximately 150 students reportedly fell ill due to food poisoning. The situation developed following a special meal provided at the Patel Bhawan hostel, which is home to around 185 second-year engineering students.

The meal included vegetarian options of paneer and non-vegetarian dishes such as butter chicken, accompanied by naan, rice, and rasmalai. Reports indicate that students began to show symptoms, including vomiting and diarrhoea, roughly one to one-and-a-half hours after consuming the food.

As more students began to exhibit symptoms, hostel authorities promptly alerted the hostel manager, warden, and the Dean of Student Welfare (DSW) about the situation. In response, university officials rapidly transported the affected students to the university hospital using all available ambulances and a bus.

Medical Response and Hospitalisation

An estimated 150 students received treatment at the university’s hospital following the outbreak of illness. Medical personnel provided initial care to most of those affected, enabling a majority to return to their hostel shortly thereafter. However, five students remain under medical supervision due to serious health concerns.

The hospital staff have been working to ensure that the students who remain admitted receive the required attention. Meanwhile, the university’s response team continues to assess the situation and ensures the required medical facilities are available for those affected.

Reports from students allege that the mess food served may have been prepared with substandard ingredients, raising concerns about food safety. Past incidents of purported insect presence in the food have also surfaced, leading to heightened apprehension among students regarding the quality of meals provided.

Investigation and Administrative Actions

In light of the troubling incident, senior university officials, including the Registrar, have visited the hospital to oversee the emergency response. Following this, the university administration announced the formation of a three-member committee to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the food poisoning event.

Despite prior issues with food quality leading to a financial penalty imposed on the mess operator, concerns regarding food safety remain at the forefront. The university had earlier arranged the special meal in question following the penalty, which has prompted questions about the effectiveness of oversight in the culinary services provided to students.

This incident underscores significant concerns regarding food safety within university mess facilities, prompting both student and administrative bodies to address potential lapses in food preparation standards. The findings of the committee are expected to influence future operational practices and food quality controls at the university.

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