On May 16, 2025, several students at Pune University’s main canteen ordered fried rice and noodles for lunch. To their horror, they found rubber-like pieces mixed in with their food. The discovery quickly spread across the campus, with students sharing photos and videos of the contaminated meals on social media platforms.
Eyewitnesses reported that the rubber pieces were clearly visible and distinguishable from the rest of the food, leading to immediate complaints to the canteen staff and university authorities. Some students even claimed to have bitten into the rubber, causing discomfort and fear of potential health risks.
The incident triggered a wave of anger and anxiety among the student community. Many students staged a protest outside the canteen, demanding strict action against those responsible and immediate improvements in food quality. Student leaders highlighted that this was not the first time complaints about food safety had been raised, but previous warnings had gone unheeded.
“We come here to study and expect at least safe, hygienic food. This is not just negligence-it’s a threat to our health,” said one agitated student.
Following the uproar, Pune University authorities swiftly ordered an inquiry into the incident. The canteen was temporarily shut down pending a thorough inspection by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the university’s internal committee. Samples of the contaminated food were collected for laboratory testing.
The university administration has assured students and parents that strict action will be taken against the canteen operator if found guilty of negligence or malpractice. Officials have also promised to review and upgrade hygiene protocols for all campus food outlets.
Many students and parents are now questioning the regularity and effectiveness of food inspections, vendor licensing, and the overall quality control mechanisms in place at university canteens and hostels.
Health experts warn that such lapses can lead to serious health hazards, including food poisoning, gastrointestinal issues, and long-term health effects. They emphasize the need for regular audits, staff training, and transparent grievance redressal systems to prevent such incidents.