He said inspectors found multiple lapses, including poor personal hygiene among food handlers, absence of aprons, gloves and headgear, lack of medical fitness certificates, and absence of water-testing records and pest-control reports. Describing some of the more serious violations, Umap said, “Vegetables like onions to be used for cooking the next day were chopped a day before and kept. Food was stored in uncovered vessels. Many of the metallic vessels were also rusted.”

According to information gathered during the inspection, the Refectory Mess is among the largest kitchens on the SPPU campus and caters to around 1,000 students. It also supplies food to the G8 mess, Umap said.

Reacting to the FDA action, Abhishek Shelkar, President of the University Student’s Struggle Action Committee, said, “Over the past year, more than 50 complaints have surfaced regarding worms, larvae, cockroaches, hair, and other harmful substances being found in food served at various university messes and canteens. Strict action, as per rules, must be taken against operators who compromise students’ health.”