Amity University rejects food safety claims amid student illness complaints

Representational image. File pic

While students from Panvel's Amity University have cried foul about the alleged poor quality of food and water on campus, the institution has now issued a statement claiming that all food and water on campus is clean, with ‘rigorous standards of hygiene and sanitation' being maintained across the board.

"The food safety and hygiene standards maintained in campus dining facilities are in compliance with FSSAI norms and guidelines. In addition, the University regularly conducts awareness sessions and advisories for students and staff on hygiene, sanitation, food safety, and preventive healthcare practices," said a statement issued by the officials.

Additionally, the university stated that the few students who reportedly experienced discomfort have likely consumed food from outside the campus premises.

This comes after a student delegation, on Monday, visited the Mantralaya alleging that a number of pupils living on and off campus had contracted serious illnesses like jaundice and Hepatitis A, where Mid-day saw medical reports of a few students acquired from different laboratories.

Amity University releases reports of food and water testing

Countering these allegations, the university has now released a number of reports of food and water testing, dated from January to April. Mid-day saw 8 such reports where water from hostels and canteens was tested, while canteen food like dal fry and paneer masala was tested in two different labs.

However, the Navi Mumbai students have still maintained their stance. "Students have not been shown any of these reports to date; we don't know what has been tested and when. The university is brushing off its responsibility. For instance, three of my friends only eat at the mess and canteen and only consume the water on campus. They were affected by hepatitis A and jaundice," an Amity University student told Mid-day.

In contrast, the student claims that those eating outside food haven't made these complaints so far. Students now state that officials from the health department have visited the campus and have even drawn blood from a few students to run tests.