Food poisoning in Gujarat's MS University hostel, over 100 students sick

Vadodara: A major incident of suspected food poisoning has occurred at Maharaja Sayajirao University (MSU) in Vadodara, Gujarat, where over 100 students from the university’s SD Hall hostel fell ill after consuming dinner served in the mess on Tuesday night.

Students began experiencing sudden symptoms of diarrhoea, vomiting, and severe stomach pain just hours after their evening meal. Of approximately 350 students who dined at the mess, more than 100 displayed symptoms of foodborne infection and were immediately transported to Gotri and Sayaji hospitals for urgent medical attention.

Hospital sources confirmed that the students' conditions are currently stable, though they remain under observation. Doctors have indicated that the symptoms are consistent with acute food poisoning, likely caused by stale or contaminated food. Medical experts noted that such illnesses typically arise from bacteria or viruses introduced through unhygienically prepared or spoiled food, disrupting the intestinal microbiome and leading to severe digestive distress.

This is not an isolated incident, as several students alleged that they had previously voiced concerns about poor hygiene and substandard, stale meals to hostel authorities, but their complaints were reportedly dismissed. "We’ve been eating substandard food for months. We raised our voices many times, but nothing changed. This was waiting to happen,” shared a third-year student currently undergoing treatment.

Following the incident, the MSU Vice Chancellor and the Chief Warden of the hostel promptly visited Sayaji Hospital to meet the affected students and assess the situation. Senior police officials also arrived at both the hostel premises and the hospital to take stock. Health officials have since collected food samples from the mess for thorough laboratory testing. An official inquiry is expected to be launched to determine the precise cause of the outbreak and to establish accountability.

Doctors treating the students underscored the importance of early detection and hydration in food poisoning cases, recommending fluids like coconut water, lemon water, oral rehydration salts, or glucose solutions. While mild cases might benefit from traditional remedies such as banana, curd with roasted cumin, ginger water, and mint, patients are advised to avoid milk, meat, and heavy foods during recovery.

As the full extent of the incident unfolds, students and parents are vocally demanding stringent action against those deemed responsible for the alleged negligence in maintaining food safety standards.

With inputs from IANS