IIT-Bombay mess caterer blacklisted

Almost a week after around 600 student reported symptoms of food poisoning at the campus of the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B), M/s Aditya Caterers, the mess contractor responsible, has been blacklisted and a fresh tender for running the mess for hostels 12, 13 and 14 has been floated.

The food poisoning incident at IIT-B was an eye-opener for the institute authorities about matters related to food hygiene. An official statement was released on Monday to clear the air.  The statement mentioned, “Of the 500 reported cases, only 13 needed to be admitted to the hospital. The remaining who did not have to be admitted, responded satisfactorily to the outpatient treatment which included rehydration and antibiotic medicines. The last of the admitted students has now been discharged and sent back to the hostel.” All the students were residents of hostels 12, 13 and 14 which share a common mess.

The statement further adds, “IIT-B authorities took up the investigation of food consumed by the students, preparation methods in the kitchen and water supply in the mess. Reports have suggested that the food consumed on Sunday, September 25, 2011, was the reason for food poisoning. Water being a possibility got negated after tests came out and certified it to be 100% potable.”