Food safety scare at AIIMS Nagpur- students allege worms, insects in campus mess meal
Nagpur: A shocking incident has come to light at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Nagpur (AIIMS Nagpur), where Undergraduate students have made serious allegations that worms and larvae were found in the food served in the campus mess.
Additionally, some students claimed to have found a whole, fried caterpillar in a vegetable dish. Others alleged a dead insect was seen on a piece of fruit, while another vegetable allegedly contained a fly-like object. There were also allegations that a "sponge-like" foreign object was found in mushroom curry.
Some people left their food uneaten, while others said they had already eaten it before discovering the adulteration. Following the incident, students immediately began taking photos and sending messages about the incident. Word spread on student WhatsApp groups, which went viral.
The claims have sparked widespread panic and anger among students, who have raised serious questions about food safety standards and the administrative system. AIIMS Nagpur is one of India's largest medical institutions. The incident occurred during lunch on Wednesday afternoon.
Students have demanded a transparent investigation into the matter and strict action against those responsible if negligence is proven. Many expressed shock that such an incident could occur at a renowned national medical institution.
Speaking to the NagpurToday media news report, Dean (Student Welfare) Dr Siddharth Dubashi assured that while no official complaint has been received, the matter will be investigated seriously. If the allegations are found to be true, strict action will be taken. “We eat the same food. Student safety is non-negotiable,” the dean stated.
In addition to concerns about food quality, students also pointed to infrastructure issues in the mess. They alleged that the dining facility only has two large tables, each capable of seating approximately 70 students, which is insufficient considering the number of students. Potential reasons for the poor quality of food were cited as overcrowding, rushed service, and lack of supervision.
