Report

A suspected case of food poisoning hit Gujarat’s Maharaja Sayajirao University (MSU) in Vadodara on Tuesday night, when over 100 female students from the SD Hall hostel fell sick after consuming dinner from the mess. Within hours, students began experiencing severe stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Out of the 350 students who ate at the mess, more than 100 showed symptoms of acute foodborne illness. Authorities rushed the affected students to Gotri and Sayaji hospitals for treatment.

Students’ Stable, Food Safety Under Scrutiny

Doctors confirmed that the symptoms pointed to acute food poisoning, likely caused by stale or contaminated food. While the students are stable and under observation, the large number of cases has raised alarm over food safety and hygiene in MSU hostels. Medical experts explained that such illnesses typically result from bacteria or viruses entering the digestive system through unhygienically prepared or spoiled food. Several students claimed they had raised repeated complaints about stale food and poor hygiene at the mess, but hostel authorities failed to act. “We’ve been eating substandard food for months. This was bound to happen,” said a third-year student receiving treatment.

Officials Respond; Probe Underway

Soon after the incident, MSU Vice Chancellor and the hostel’s Chief Warden visited the hospital to meet the affected students. Senior police officers also inspected the hostel and hospital. Health officials collected food samples from the mess and sent them for laboratory testing. An official inquiry is underway to determine the cause and assign accountability.

Doctors Urge Vigilance and Hydration

Doctors treating the students stressed the importance of early detection and rehydration in food poisoning cases. Common symptoms include nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting, fatigue, and diarrhoea. In severe cases, dehydration can become dangerous, making fluids like ORS, lemon water, and glucose essential. For mild symptoms, doctors recommended home remedies like curd with roasted cumin, ginger water, bananas, and mint. Patients were advised to avoid milk, meat, and heavy foods until full recovery.

Source: Free Press Journal