Pune: Scrubbing Pad Found in Meal at SPPU’s Mess, Students Demand Action

Pune, 30th May 2026: Fresh concerns over food safety have emerged at Savitribai Phule Pune University after a student allegedly found a metal scrubbing pad used for cleaning utensils in a dish served at the G-9 mess on Friday.

The incident has sparked outrage among students, who claim it is the latest in a series of food quality lapses on the university campus. According to the University Students’ Struggle Action Committee (SPPU Unit), similar incidents were reported recently at the G-8 mess and Aniket Canteen, where worms were allegedly found in food items.

Vinod Waghmare, a student preparing for competitive examinations at the university, claimed that he discovered the scrubbing pad in a potato vegetable dish while having lunch with a friend at the G-9 mess on Friday. “Such objects being found in food served to students is extremely concerning and raises serious questions about food quality and hygiene,” he said.

Student representatives said the repeated occurrence of such incidents has raised serious questions over hygiene standards and quality control in campus messes and canteens. They alleged that despite earlier complaints, no effective action was taken by the university administration, leading to growing dissatisfaction among students.

Abhishek Shelkar, president of the University Students’ Struggle Action Committee, said the administration had failed to initiate strict measures after the earlier incidents. “The lack of action has resulted in poor oversight of mess operations. Finding a utensil-cleaning scrubber in food is a serious matter and reflects negligence towards students’ health,” he said.

The committee has demanded an immediate inquiry into the functioning of the mess and canteen facilities, regular inspections of food quality, strict action against those responsible, and measures to prevent any compromise on students’ health and safety.

Students have warned that repeated food safety issues are eroding confidence in campus dining facilities, with many increasingly opting for private tiffin services instead of university-run messes and canteens. University authorities had not issued an official response till the time of publication.