In a shocking incident at Maharaja Sayajirao University (MSU) in Vadodara, Gujarat, more than 100 female students have been hospitalised due to suspected food poisoning. This event occurred late on Tuesday night after dinner served in the SD Hall hostel mess.
The situation unfolded quickly. Within hours of the meal, students began to feel severe stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Of the approximately 350 students who dined at the hostel mess, over 100 required immediate medical attention. They were rushed to Gotri and Sayaji hospitals for emergency care.
Medical staff confirmed that all students are currently stable. However, the large number of cases has raised alarms about food safety and hygiene in university hostels. Doctors have diagnosed the students with acute food poisoning, likely due to stale or contaminated food.
Experts explain that food poisoning is caused by bacteria or viruses found in spoiled or unhygienically prepared food, which can disrupt the digestive system. Symptoms usually appear within hours and include nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhoea, fatigue, and sometimes fever.
Students have expressed their concerns about the quality of food served in the hostel mess for months. “We’ve been eating substandard food for months. We raised our voices many times, but nothing changed. This was waiting to happen,” said a third-year student receiving treatment.
In response to this crisis, MSU Vice Chancellor and the hostel Chief Warden visited the hospitals to check on the students. Senior police officials also arrived at both the hostel and hospitals to assess the situation.
Health officials have taken food samples from the mess for testing. An investigation is expected to determine the cause of the food poisoning and fix accountability.
Doctors have emphasised the importance of early treatment and proper hydration in cases of food poisoning. They advise drinking oral rehydration solutions, coconut water, or glucose water. In mild cases, home remedies like banana, curd with cumin, ginger water, and mint may help, but patients should avoid milk, meat, and heavy food during recovery.
As the situation develops, students and their families are demanding strict action against those responsible for the negligence. They are also calling for improved food safety protocols across all hostels. This incident has reignited discussions on the standards of hygiene in hostel messes at universities across India.
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