CUTM University Hostel Food Controversy: Questions Over Food Quality, Student Safety and Accountability?
(CUTM University) is a private university where students pursue courses such as B.Tech, B.Sc. Agriculture, Pharmacy and other professional programs. Many students come from middle-class families, and some families may have to take loans or make significant financial sacrifices to support their children’s education.
For a middle-class family, a child’s education is not just an expense—it is often the result of years of hard work and sacrifice by parents. Families expect students to receive proper education, a safe living environment and good-quality food in the hostel.
However, questions are now being raised after videos allegedly showing poor-quality hostel food, including claims of insects or other foreign objects being found in food, reportedly circulated on social media.
Are Students Paying for Food Like This?
If students are paying hostel and food-related fees, an important question arises: Are they receiving the quality and hygiene standards they deserve?
Students and their parents have the right to expect hygienic, safe and nutritious food. If the allegations shown in the viral videos are found to be genuine, the matter deserves serious attention from the university administration.
The question is simple: Would university officials and staff themselves be willing to eat the same food that is being served to students?
Questions for the Hostel and Kitchen Management
The kitchen management also needs to answer some important questions.
When food is being prepared in large quantities, how are hygiene and quality checks being carried out? How can insects or other unwanted material allegedly end up in food? Are kitchen staff properly inspecting ingredients, cooking areas and prepared meals before serving them to students?
Students are paying fees for hostel facilities and food. Therefore, proper monitoring and accountability should be expected.
Where Is Food Safety Monitoring?
Another important question concerns food-safety authorities.
Food-safety inspections are important for every food establishment, whether it is a small shop run by a person trying to earn a living or a large educational institution serving food to hundreds or thousands of students.
If a viral video raises concerns about food served at a university hostel, should the relevant authorities not investigate the matter and verify whether food-safety standards are being followed?
The purpose should not be to target any particular institution. The purpose should be to ensure that students are protected and that proper food-safety standards are maintained.
What If a Student Becomes Seriously Ill?
This is perhaps the most important question.
If contaminated or unsafe food is actually being served and a student becomes seriously ill after consuming it, who will be responsible?
And if the food is proven to be unsafe, what action should be taken against the people responsible for preparing, inspecting and serving it?
These questions deserve clear answers from the concerned authorities and the university administration.
Students’ Health Must Come First
Parents send their children to universities with the hope that they will build a better future. They work hard, save money and, in some cases, take financial loans to pay for education.
Students should not have to compromise on basic food safety while pursuing their studies.
If the allegations circulating in the viral videos are incorrect, the university and relevant authorities should clarify the facts. If the allegations are found to be true, appropriate corrective action should be taken immediately.
Education is important, but the health and safety of students must come first.
