Pune: A major food safety concern has emerged at Savitribai Phule Pune University after a student found a cockroach in a vada pav purchased from a vendor at the campus food mall. The incident has sparked outrage among students, with various student organizations demanding strict action, including the immediate suspension of the concerned vendor.

The university has long faced issues regarding food availability for students. Several old canteens, including Aniket Canteen, Old Canteen, and Open Canteen, have remained closed for years. To provide dining facilities for students, professors, and staff, the university set up a dedicated food mall. However, students are raising concerns about the poor quality of food served there.

Currently, Adarsh Canteen and Food Morning near the examination department are the only available food outlets on campus. Even at these facilities, students allege that they are being served substandard food.

In the latest incident, a student was shocked to find a cockroach in a vada pav purchased from a vendor at the university food mall. The student immediately brought the issue to the vendor’s attention and subsequently filed an official complaint with the university administration. The issue has now gained traction, with students demanding urgent intervention from the authorities.

Rahul Sasane, a member of the university’s Food Quality Control Committee, confirmed the incident and stated that the matter has been escalated to higher authorities.

“A student reported finding a cockroach in a food item purchased from the food mall. As a member of the Food Quality Control Committee, I received the complaint and have formally raised the issue with the Vice-Chancellor, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, and Acting Registrar. Our primary concern is that students should be served hygienic and nutritious food, but continuous negligence in food quality is putting their health at risk,” Sasane said.