Bhubaneswar: Tension prevailed at Utkal University in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday after a dead frog was allegedly found in food served at a women’s hostel, even as the campus is already facing a jaundice outbreak.
According to sources, the incident was reported from Ladies Hostel No. 7 as a dead frog was allegedly found in the chilli soyabean curry served to students for dinner.
The alleged incident has triggered outrage among boarders, while students and others raised questions over food safety and hygiene in the hostel.
The incident triggered strong protest by the hostel inmates and angry students boycotted food demanding immediate action against those responsible for the unhygienic food.
Students alleged that the quality of food served in the hostel mess has deteriorated badly over the past few days. They said the incident has come at a time when a jaundice outbreak has already been reported on the campus, raising serious concerns over food safety and drinking water quality.
Following the protest, university authorities intervened and assured the students of a proper inquiry. The university has ordered an investigation into the incident.
Concern over health of students is growing as jaundice cases have surfaced in the hostel. Two girl students of the same hostel have reportedly tested positive for jaundice, while blood samples of more than 10 other suspected cases have been sent for testing.
While the exact cause behind the jaundice cases is yet to be ascertained, food and water samples from the hostel have been collected and sent for laboratory examination.
Keeping students’ safety in view, a special team of the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has also collected food samples and sent them for testing, reports said.
The University authorities said pure drinking water is being supplied to hostels and hot water boilers have been installed at different places as a precautionary measure. As a precaution, all food shops operating inside the campus have been temporarily closed and a 24-hour control room has been made functional.
