Key Update

Six students of a government college in Tiruchi in Tamil Nadu were hospitalised on February 18, 2026, after consuming a soft drink purchased from the college canteen that allegedly contained an animal part. Doctors admitted them to the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Government Hospital (MGMGH) after they reported nausea. Authorities discharged the students the following day after observation. The incident came to light when the students, who were sharing a bottle of the beverage, noticed what appeared to be the tail of a lizard in the remaining liquid. They immediately alerted authorities and sought medical attention.

Food Safety Wing Launches Probe

Following the complaint, officials closed the canteen and seized the entire stock of the soft drink for laboratory analysis. The Food Safety Wing initiated an inquiry to determine the source of the suspected contamination.

M. Jegadish Chandra Bose, District Designated Officer of the Food Safety Wing, confirmed that authorities have ordered a hygiene and stock audit at the bottling unit of the beverage manufacturer in Lalgudi. Inspection teams also examined the canteen premises to identify any lapses in storage or handling practices.

Campus Protest and Awaited Test Results

The incident triggered protests on campus, with members of the Tiruchi district chapter of the Students Federation of India (SFI) demanding strict action. Student representatives said officials have assured them that appropriate steps will follow once laboratory test results become available in the coming days. Authorities continue their investigation to establish whether the contamination occurred during manufacturing, distribution or storage.

Source: The Hindu