Archive · 4 Oct 2026
Students Report Worms and Plastic in Pune University Hostel Food
Students at Savitribai Phule Pune University say there have been problems with food at the girls’ hostel mess.
They allege that worms were found in breakfast poha on October 2 and 3.
They also say plastic was found in vegetables served on September 28 and 29.
University officials had inspected the mess on September 30.
Students say the university’s food-monitoring committees are not doing enough.
They also say student representatives have not met for four months.
The students want the university to investigate and explain what action it has taken.
They plan to give university officials a memorandum on October 6.
They say they may protest or contact food-safety officials if their concerns are not addressed.
Students alleged that worms were found in poha served at Savitribai Phule Pune University’s girls’ hostel mess on October 2 and 3.
They also alleged that plastic was found in vegetables served on September 28 and 29.
The allegations came after the Vice-Chancellor, Registrar and senior officials inspected the mess on September 30.
Students questioned the food-monitoring committees, saying a meeting of student representatives had not been held for four months.
Students plan to submit a memorandum on October 6 and warned of agitation and an approach to the Food and Drug Administration if action is not taken.
- Who
- Students at Savitribai Phule Pune University’s girls’ hostel, including the University Students’ Struggle Action Committee, SPPU Unit.
- What
- Students alleged that worms and plastic were found in food at the hostel mess and called for an inquiry and action.
- When
- The alleged incidents were reported on September 28, 29, October 2 and 3; an inspection took place on September 30. A memorandum was planned for October 6.
- Where
- The girls’ hostel mess at Savitribai Phule Pune University in Pune.
- Why
- Students say repeated food-quality complaints require stronger enforcement and accountability.
Students’ claims
University response
Food quality and oversight
Students’ claims
Students alleged repeated contamination and said committees were not functioning satisfactorily, calling for an inquiry and action against those responsible.
University response
The university did not respond to The Free Press Journal’s request for comment, so no university position on the allegations was reported.
- Institution
- Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU)
- Reported food concern
- Students alleged worms in poha and plastic in vegetables.
- Dates cited
- Vegetables: September 28 and 29; poha: October 2 and 3.
- University inspection
- The Vice-Chancellor, Registrar and senior officials inspected the mess on September 30.
- Committee concern
- Students alleged that student representatives on the Mess Quality Control Committee had not met for four months.
- Planned action
- Students said they would submit a memorandum to the Vice-Chancellor and Registrar on October 6.
- University response
- University officials did not respond when approached by The Free Press Journal.