Two Canteens at Savitribai Phule Pune University Under Scanner of FDA

Following the complaints about the poor food quality and hygiene reported by several students of Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), an inspection of the canteens at the university campus was conducted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Pune in the month of October 2016

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Shivaji Shinde, Joint Commissioner (Food), FDA Pune said that four canteens functioning in the campus were inspected, of which two were operating without a valid food licence. Both the contractors of the canteens have been given notices and face punitive action. While the other two contractors also have got improvement notices.

The Joint Commissioner also said that it was their job to conduct inspections of canteens wherever they feel that food quality or hygiene are under suspicion. After they got complaints about the quality of food in the canteens and its refectory, they decided to conduct an inspection. The team of the Joint Commissioner also inspected the canteens with regards to quality, hygiene standards to be followed during storage, purchase as well as handling of food. The team inspected several aspects like -

• Handlers hygiene of food
• Kitchen cleanliness
• Food materials storage
• Utensils and food handling

The other two contractors were given improvement notices and a deadline to make changes as regards hygiene and quality of food.

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Wasudeo Gade, Vice-Chancellor of the University said that he welcomed the FDA inspections and that the university administration had collaborated with the FDA on these inspections. He said that they had talked to FDA authorities about these inspections and he believed it is very important to maintain the food hygiene and quality. The University has a committee for the canteen comprising many students, but despite that lots of complaints on food are still coming. Now they are looking at ways for improvement.