Pune University Mess Closed After Students Raise Concerns Over Food Quality
Pune, 18th June 2026: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the food licence of the main mess at Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) after an inspection uncovered serious violations of food safety and hygiene norms, raising concerns about the health and safety of thousands of students.
The action follows complaints from students alleging that substandard and potentially unsafe food was being served at the university mess and canteens. After several students raised the issue on social media and submitted a complaint to FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, the food safety department conducted a surprise inspection of the facility.
Food and water samples collected from the mess have been sent for laboratory analysis. During the inspection, officials reportedly found multiple violations of food safety regulations, including improper storage practices, inadequate temperature control, unhygienic food handling and poor maintenance of the premises.
The inspection also revealed the absence of an effective pest control system, raising concerns about the risk of contamination. Officials further found that no records were being maintained regarding the quality of drinking water supplied at the facility.
In another serious lapse, the mess management had allegedly failed to conduct mandatory medical examinations of staff involved in food preparation and handling.
Taking note of the findings, Commissioner Mundhe ordered the immediate suspension of the mess licence until further orders and directed strict action against the contractor operating the facility. The main mess will remain closed until a new contractor is appointed and the required food safety standards are ensured.
Meanwhile, university authorities have arranged alternative dining facilities for students, with notices displayed outside the closed mess directing them to another operational dining facility on campus.
The FDA said the violations posed a potential risk to public health and warranted immediate intervention. Students welcomed the action and expressed relief, saying their repeated complaints had finally resulted in corrective measures.
The incident has once again highlighted concerns over food quality and hygiene standards in educational institutions, with students demanding stricter monitoring of campus dining facilities to prevent similar incidents in the future.
