Report
Food safety officials recently inspected the hostel mess at the Central University of Jharkhand (CUJ) and discovered alarming unsanitary conditions. During their inspection on Tuesday evening, they collected a dinner food sample and sent it to the state food testing lab for analysis. They found the kitchen infested with cockroaches and discarded expired amchur from the premises.
Delayed Access and Unacceptable Hygiene Standards
Subir Ranjan, the food safety officer (FSO) in Ranchi, expressed frustration over the three-hour delay before he could access the hostel mess. “When I finally examined the kitchen, I found baby cockroaches moving around. The cleanliness standards were completely inadequate,” he said. He recommended that authorities impose a penalty on the outsourced catering firm, M/S Jain Caterers from Madhya Pradesh, for its negligence.
CUJ Takes Steps to Address Concerns
Anurag Linda, the Dean of Student Welfare at CUJ, explained that the university inspected the mess in 2024 after the outsourced company received the tender. However, in response to ongoing concerns, CUJ plans to form a six-member student committee to monitor food quality and sanitation in the mess.
Student Complaints About Mess Conditions Intensify
Students continue to voice dissatisfaction despite the university’s assurances. “I was shocked to find a cooked baby rat in the food. After that incident, many students stopped eating in the mess,” said a second-year economics student. A third-year geography student criticized the lack of supervision at night. “No one is available to address problems after hours, and the blocked drainage systems worsen the environment,” they added.
Unhygienic Kitchen Raises Concerns
Several students complained about the state of the kitchen. A third-year engineering student said, “The kitchen is covered in dirt and filth. The dishes are rarely cleaned properly, leaving food remnants behind.” Another student added, “Big spider webs fill the mess. They often leave food uncovered, and cockroaches scuttle around the food.”
University Pledges Immediate Action Against Catering Firm
Linda assured students that the university would take swift action against the catering company. “We will fine the company for failing to maintain hygiene standards. The safety of our students is our top priority, and we will implement all necessary measures to ensure their well-being,” he said.
Source: The Times of India