MSU Cancels Caterer’s Contract After Food Poisoning Incident At Girls Hostel In Vadodara

Vadodara: A concerning case of food poisoning at Maharaja Sayajirao University (MSU) girls hostel in Vadodara has prompted swift administrative action, with the university terminating its contract with the food service provider and blacklisting the caterer involved. The incident occurred late Tuesday night at the university’s SD Hall, where over 100 students reportedly fell ill after consuming dinner in the hostel mess. The meal, which included paneer bhurji, dal fry, jeera rice, khichdi, rotis, and papad, was prepared by Shilpa Caterers, a company contracted to run the hostel mess services.

Following the incident, MS University authorities took decisive steps by immediately terminating Shilpa Caterers’ contract and blacklisting the firm. The caterer will no longer be allowed to operate any food services within the university premises. University Vice-Chancellor Dr. Dhanesh Patel confirmed the action and stated that legal proceedings would be initiated against those found responsible for negligence.

Within hours of the meal, several students began experiencing symptoms of food poisoning, triggering panic among hostel authorities. Emergency medical services, including 108 ambulances, were dispatched to the campus. Affected students were rushed to Gotri and Sayaji hospitals for treatment. As of the latest updates, over 50 students are still under medical observation, though their condition is stable.

Initial investigation by the health department suggests stale or contaminated food may have been the cause. Despite repeated complaints from students about poor food quality, no substantial action had been taken until this incident. Health officials collected 26 food samples and six water samples from the premises, all of which have been sent to a laboratory for testing. The Food Safety Department also issued a Schedule 4 notice to Shilpa Hospitality Services after finding unsanitary conditions in the kitchen.

Girishbhai, the contractor running the SD Hall mess, defended his team, stating that all ingredients used were branded and of standard quality. “If there had been a serious issue with the food, we too would have been affected,” he said. He further claimed the incident is under review to determine whether water contamination or another factor was responsible.

Meanwhile, members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) have accused university officials of ignoring repeated warnings about the mess’s food quality. According to the student body, multiple complaints had been submitted regarding unhygienic conditions, including reports of insects found in meals.

The health department continues its investigation, and university officials have promised strict action. “Any individual or organization found guilty of negligence will face legal consequences,” stated Vice-Chancellor Patel. This incident has reignited broader concerns over student safety and the monitoring of food standards in university-run hostels.

Also Read: Preliminary Report On Ahmedabad Plane Crash Likely In Two Days, Committee Informed