Pune: Worm Found in Poha at SPPU Canteen, Students Raise Food Safety Concerns

Pune, May 20, 2026: Fresh concerns over food safety have emerged at Savitribai Phule Pune University after a student allegedly found a worm in a plate of poha served at the Aniket Canteen near the university’s examination department on Wednesday morning. The incident triggered outrage among students, who questioned the effectiveness of the university administration’s monitoring of food quality on the campus.

The controversy comes just two days after students reportedly found a worm in vegetables served at a university mess facility, raising serious concerns over hygiene and food standards in campus eateries. Student groups alleged that repeated complaints regarding poor food quality, overcharging and other irregularities have failed to prompt strict action from the administration.

Pravin Akhade, a student at SPPU said, “Today at around 9.30am, I found a worm in the plate of poha I had taken for breakfast at Aniket Canteen. We immediately brought the matter to the notice of the canteen manager, but despite that, the same poha continued to be served to students. This is a direct threat to students’ health and the university administration should take immediate action against those responsible.”

Another student, Suraj Chavane, said, “Serious complaints regarding the quality of food served in the mess and canteens have been repeatedly coming to light. The situation has worsened to such an extent that many students have stopped eating at the mess and opted for outside tiffin services. This compromise with students’ health must be stopped immediately and strict action should be taken against those responsible.”

Abhishek Shelkar, president of the University Students Struggle Action Committee at SPPU, said, “Yesterday, a worm was found in food served at the mess, and today another worm was found in poha served at Aniket Canteen. Despite such incidents occurring repeatedly, no action is being taken against those responsible, raising doubts over the university administration’s role. A thorough inquiry should be conducted into the entire matter and strict action must be taken against the guilty.”

Students have also raised questions over the tender process for a juice centre operating near the Aniket Canteen and demanded that the university disclose details of the rent collected from the business over the last year.

The students have demanded immediate action against the canteen contractor, including issuance of a notice and blacklisting from future tender processes. They also warned of intensified protests through constitutional means if action is not taken.