AIIMS Guwahati food poisoning row: Viral post claims 50 students fell ill after consuming mess food, institute denies

Guwahati: In a disturbing incident, a viral social media post on X claimed that more than 50 students at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, AIIMS Guwahati, suffered food poisoning after consuming mess food.

The students allegedly reported insects and hair in their meals. However, the institute has denied claims of mass food poisoning, stating that only a single suspected case has been identified.

The post shared by a parent claimed that his son, an MBBS student at the institute, along with more than 50 students, fell ill after consuming unhygienic food served at the institute’s mess facility. 

He pointed out that the issue was not isolated, as students frequently reported insects and hair in meals, along with highly unhygienic conditions. 

"It is deeply concerning that such negligence is occurring in an Institute of National Importance like AIIMS Guwahati. Student health and safety are being seriously compromised," said the user. 

He said that despite repeated complaints, students were forced to continue eating in the same mess and were even threatened with not being allowed to appear for exams.

Seeking urgent intervention, the parent urged strict action from authorities, including the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.

In response to the allegations, AIIMS Guwahati, through its official X handle, denied claims of a mass food poisoning incident and clarified that only a single suspected case of food-related illness has been identified so far. The institute said the case is under active review and appropriate medical care has been provided.

The administration further said that an enquiry committee has been constituted to investigate the matter thoroughly, and the process is currently underway. Based on preliminary findings, there is no evidence to suggest a large-scale outbreak, as has been speculated. "Reports suggesting otherwise appear to be based on unverified information and rumours, and do not reflect the current situation," the institute said. 

AIIMS Guwahati also said that it has already started corrective and preventive measures. These include inspection of food preparation areas, reinforcement of hygiene protocols, and coordination with relevant authorities to ensure compliance with safety standards.

The administration of AIIMS Guwahati has already initiated corrective and preventive measures. These include inspection of food preparation areas, reinforcement of hygiene protocols, and coordination with relevant authorities to ensure compliance with safety standards and assured that student safety remains its highest priority.

However, in a counter response, the user alleged that the institute is either unaware of the ground reality students are facing, or it is deliberately downplaying the facts by calling it a 'single case.' He said that the administration's response appears dismissive and disconnected from ground reality. 

"Multiple students have reported similar illnesses after consuming mess food, along with repeated instances of insects and contamination. Terming this as a ‘single suspected case’ undermines the seriousness of the situation. More concerning is that the administration seems unaware of the actual scale of student distress," the user stated.

He further claimed that students are being forced to spend extra money to eat outside due to fear of food poisoning and poor food quality. He also alleged that students are not being allowed to appear for professional exams without paying mess fees, which is causing both health risks and financial burden.

"This is not rumour. It is a matter of student safety, accountability, and institutional responsibility. Silence or minimisation will only erode trust further," the user added.

Reacting to the incident, Dr Mohammad Momin Khan, Vice President, External Affairs of All India Medical Students' Association (AIMSA), shared the matter on his official social media handles seeking immediate action.

Dr Khan told Medical Dialogues that students have been reaching out to him on Instagram, highlighting their suffering at AIIMS Guwahati. He strongly criticised the situation and urged immediate intervention and strict action from authorities, including the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Also read- Food safety scare at AIIMS Nagpur- students allege worms, insects in campus mess meal