Sun Feb 23 20:51:54 UTC 2025: ## Hundreds of Students Ill After Eating Fake Paneer at Indian University Mess
**Hyderabad, India –** At least 170 students at SVKM’s Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS)-Hyderabad fell ill, with at least 30 hospitalized, after eating a meal at the campus mess last Thursday. A student-conducted test revealed the paneer served was likely “analogue” or fake, containing non-milk substitutes like vegetable oil and protein. The finding came after students noticed a bluish-black discoloration when iodine was applied to the paneer, a test commonly used to detect adulteration.
The incident sparked outrage among students who allege the university administration initially downplayed the situation, attempting to treat students on campus to conceal the extent of the problem. Only after intervention by a local legislator were students transferred to a medical facility. Students claim the administration is minimizing the number of affected students, currently estimated by students to be far higher than official reports. They also accuse the administration of neglecting previous gastrointestinal illnesses reported since January 27th, and failing to address concerns about water quality.
The university administration, while acknowledging the incident, suggested a possible connection between the hospitalizations and students from a single discipline. They have formed a panel to investigate and have postponed mid-term exams. A ban on outside food deliveries has also been implemented. The administration maintains its commitment to providing a safe environment for students. The incident highlights concerns about food safety and transparency in university administration.
First Piper 