Canteen, a favourite hangout where students eat to fall sick

The aroma of so-called Chinese food being prepared in the canteen makes it an irresistible option for many college students.

Little do they know that they invite danger by eating regularly at college canteens.

Health experts said chaats, salads, sandwiches and so-called Chinese food have a greater possibility of carrying bacteria as food in institutes is usually prepared in an unhygienic manner. Food-borne pathogens like helicobacter pylori can cause gastric irritation, peptic ulcers and in some cases, gastrointestinal cancer.

Most colleges subsidise food prices so that a majority of students can afford to eat in canteens. But contractors often compromise on quality and hygiene to ensure food is available at reasonable rates.

“While choosing a contractor, the primary concern is the low pricing of food articles. Hygiene is rarely a concern,” said a professor from a South Mumbai college. “The staff rarely goes to the canteen to check the quality of food or the kitchen hygiene.”

“College canteens matter a lot because most students eat here. It is the duty of the contractor to maintain hygiene. Students are ready to pay an additional amount to ensure food is cooked in a hygienic manner,” said  Dr Ravi Rannavare, dean of Nair hospital.

A senior doctor from Jaslok hospital said he often comes across students complaining about acidity, gas, irritable bowel movements, gastroenteritis, typhoid and hepatitis A and E, mostly caused by consuming unhygienic food.   
Though students are aware of the repercussions of eating regularly in the college canteen, nobody bothers to check how the food is prepared. “I fear if I see the dirty kitchen, I may not be able to eat anymore,” said Nitin Vyas, an FYJC student from Khalsa College.

“We get just 30 minutes to eat, so we don’t have the time to think about hygiene. We eat whatever we get,” said Akanksha, a BDS student from MGM College, Panvel.

Doctors believe Chinese food which is extremely popular among students is fraught with danger as many cooks add ajinomoto to make it tastier. It can result in headaches, dizziness and vomiting. The chutney used in sandwiches could be a source of infection too if it is not prepared or stored properly.

Fruit juices, considered a healthy option by many, can also cause health problems. “The process of extracting the juice infects it. There are always flies and insects on fruits and flavourings,” said Dr Abha Nagral, senior hepatologist, Fortis hospital. “There is a need to create awareness among students about hygienic food. When students feel there is something wrong with the food, they should raise the issue with college authorities. For instance, infected water could have been used for the ice cubes added to juices.”

“The students’ council should focus on the quality of food available in canteens. College principals should allow the council to conduct surprise checks at canteen kitchens at least once a month to keep a watch on the quality of food. Colleges should also ask municipal authorities to inspect canteens twice a year,” said Dr Shivkumar Utture, former president of Indian Medical Association, (Mumbai).