Pune: SPPU Girls’ Hostel Mess Closed After FDA Action Over Food Quality Complaints
Reported by Shoaib Tadvi
Pune, 8th October 2026: The girls’ hostel mess at Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) has been closed following action by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Pune) over repeated complaints regarding food quality and hygiene.
The mess, operated by M/s Maratha Caterers, represented by Akash Rajaram Mohite, was inspected by the FDA on October 6 following a series of complaints from students about foreign objects and insects being found in food served at the hostel mess. The FDA team collected food samples during the inspection for further examination.
Students had earlier alleged that an insect was found in poha served for breakfast on October 2 and 3, while plastic was reportedly found in vegetables served on September 28 and 29. Another complaint also concerned a metal wire reportedly found in food.
During its inspection, the FDA reportedly found cockroaches and unhygienic conditions inside the mess kitchen. The inspection report was subsequently submitted to senior FDA officials for further action.
Following the FDA action, the university administration has closed the mess and issued a letter to the concerned operator, according to a communication circulated on October 8.
Students Demand Permanent Solution
Reacting to the action, Abhishek Shelkar, president of the University Students’ Struggle Action Committee (SPPU Unit) and a member of the university’s food quality control committee, welcomed the FDA’s intervention.
Shelkar said the action against the mess operator was necessary in view of the serious food-quality complaints. However, he said that repeated incidents indicate the need for a long-term solution rather than temporary action.
He demanded that SPPU take an immediate decision on starting a centralised mess under the direct supervision of the university to ensure students receive safe and nutritious food.
The issue had gained attention after students repeatedly raised complaints with the university administration. Student representatives had also questioned the effectiveness of the existing food-quality monitoring mechanism and demanded accountability from the authorities.
The latest FDA action has now resulted in the closure of the girls’ hostel mess, with students calling for stronger and permanent measures to prevent similar incidents from recurring.
