40 Students Hospitalised After Eating MANIT Hostel Mess Food In Bhopal, Seven Samples Sent For Testing

In Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, 40 students from Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology (MANIT) were hospitalized due to suspected food poisoning after consuming dinner at Hostel No. 10 on Friday night. The students exhibited symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea. This recent incident has reignited concerns over food safety at the institute, following similar complaints in July.

Acting on a complaint, the Food Safety and Drug Administration conducted an inspection at the CD Block hostel mess on Saturday. The inspection revealed several irregularities, including the fact that the mess was operating without a valid food business license. Officials further discovered that essential records such as staff medical fitness certificates, pest control measures, and FSSAI training documents were missing.

To investigate the matter, seven food samples were collected, including items like urad dal, peanuts, vermicelli, chana dal, chickpeas, rice, and arhar dal. These samples are currently undergoing laboratory examination. The incident has prompted questions about the quality of food served, hygiene standards, and the lack of follow-up actions taken after previous inspections.

This incident is not an isolated case. In the past, students have fallen ill after eating at MANIT Hostels 9 and 11, as well as at Hostel 4 on April 13, 2025. Previous inspections had identified irregularities, but no action was taken. Recently, students at the SC Girls College hostel in Panchsheel Nagar also reported issues, including the presence of larvae in their food, unhygienic kitchens, and a lack of basic facilities.

The students protested at the Scheduled Caste Welfare Commissioner's office, with assistance from AJAKS Youth Student Union president Lakshya Bharatiya. Assistant Commissioner Prashant Arya assured them that action would be taken promptly. The Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Manish Sharma, has stated that water samples have been collected at MANIT, and surveillance is being conducted. Further action will follow the receipt of the investigation report.