FDA Suspends Pune University Mess Licence Over Food Safety Violations

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration has suspended the licence of Savitribai Phule Pune University's Refectory following a surprise inspection on June 16 that revealed serious food safety violations. The action came after complaints from the University Students' Struggle Action Committee.

Inspectors found raw and cooked food stored together, inadequate pest control, poor hygiene standards, and missing medical examination records for food handlers. Students had previously reported discovering maggots, cockroaches, insects and hair in meals, along with complaints about small portions and poor service.

The Refectory, operated by Shri Swami Samarth Bhojnalaya and Catering Services, remains suspended until further notice. University officials confirmed the suspension, with students welcoming the regulatory action.