Sat Jan 31 14:11:05 UTC 2026: # Food Poisoning Outbreak Triggers Student Protest at Excel Educational Institutions
The Story:
On January 30, 2026, approximately 27 female students at Excel Educational Institutions in Komarapalayam fell ill after consuming food in their college hostel. This incident sparked immediate protests by students demanding action. This is not an isolated event; a similar incident occurred in October 2025, where 128 students suffered food poisoning, leading to the temporary closure of the college’s common kitchen.
Following the latest outbreak, five students were hospitalized, while others received first aid. Food Safety Department officials visited the college on January 31, 2026, collecting food samples for testing and promising to issue a notice to the college administration.
Key Points:
- January 30, 2026: 27 female students fell ill due to suspected food poisoning at Excel Educational Institutions.
- Location: Komarapalayam, Namakkal district.
- Previous incident: 128 students sickened in October 2025, leading to the kitchen’s temporary closure.
- Student protest: Students protested at midnight, demanding action.
- Food Safety Department: Officials collected food samples on January 31, 2026 and pledged to issue a notice.
- Hospitalizations: Five students were admitted to the college hospital.
Key Takeaways:
- Recurring food safety issues at Excel Educational Institutions indicate a systemic problem in food handling and hygiene within the college hostels.
- Student protests highlight a lack of confidence in the college administration’s ability to address these recurring problems.
- The Food Safety Department’s involvement underscores the seriousness of the situation and the potential for regulatory action.
- The provision of contact information to students by the Food Safety Department represents an attempt to increase transparency and accountability regarding food quality.
First Piper 