Worm found in Greater Noida hostel meal, food safety team shuts kitchen

A viral video showed a worm in food served at a Greater Noida hostel mess. The inspection uncovered hygiene lapses, leading officials to suspend registration and shut the kitchen.

In Short

• Students alleged poor-quality food despite paying lakhs of rupees in fees
• Inspection found a filthy chimney, broken tiles and widespread waterlogging
• Overall cleanliness and hygiene arrangements were deemed unsatisfactory by officials

A video showing a worm in food served at a hostel mess in Uttar Pradesh's Greater Noida has gone viral on social media, prompting the Food Safety Department to inspect the premises and take action against the kitchen.

The incident was reported at the mess of Nalanda Living GN Hostel in Knowledge Park-1, Greater Noida. Students staying at the hostel raised questions over the quality of food being served and recorded a video showing a worm in their meal, which was subsequently shared widely on social media.

The students alleged that despite paying lakhs of rupees in fees, they were being served food of poor quality at the hostel mess.

FOOD SAFETY DEPARTMENT FINDS HYGIENE ISSUES

Following the video going viral, a team from the Food Safety Department visited the hostel to investigate the matter. Food Safety Officer Mukesh Kumar inspected the hostel kitchen late into the night.

During the inspection, the team found the kitchen chimney to be extremely dirty. Several tiles were also found broken, while waterlogging was reported at multiple places in the kitchen. The overall cleanliness and hygiene arrangements were also found to be unsatisfactory.

According to the department, preparing food under such conditions was not appropriate from a public health perspective.

HOSTEL'S FOOD REGISTRATION SUSPENDED

Taking action over the deficiencies, the Food Safety Department suspended the hostel's food registration until the required improvements are made. The kitchen was also ordered to remain shut during the suspension period.

The department warned that if the identified shortcomings are not addressed within the stipulated time, the food registration could be cancelled.

Meanwhile, the inspection team also conducted a physical assessment of the prepared food. A sample of soy chaap curry was collected and sent for laboratory testing to assess its quality.

The department is now proceeding with further action in the matter.

- Ends