Pune: SPPU Cancels Girls’ Hostel Mess Contract After FDA Suspends Operator’s Licence

Pune, 10th October 2026: Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) on Thursday cancelled the contract of the private operator running its girls’ hostel mess, following the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) decision to suspend the contractor’s licence for 14 days over food safety violations.

The FDA action followed an inspection on Tuesday and a hearing on Thursday under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The suspension was initially temporary, allowing the contractor to rectify the violations before a reinspection. However, the university decided to terminate the contract.

“We have directed students to have their meals at the main refectory until further notice. We will float a fresh tender for the mess along with those for several shops. The contractor has also been asked to refund students’ fees collected in advance,” said SPPU registrar Prafulla Pawar.

The action comes amid concerns over food quality and safety at the university’s hostel mess. The FDA had initiated action after inspecting the facility and identifying violations, prompting the university to end the operator’s contract rather than wait for the outcome of the temporary suspension.