Students at the Indian Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad (IIIT Hyderabad) have expressed their outrage and disbelief after a frog was discovered cooked in chicken biryani served at the Kadamb mess on October 17. This shocking incident has reignited concerns over food hygiene at the institute, as students humorously lamented the frog’s unfortunate fate while questioning the standards of their meals.
This incident is not an isolated case. Earlier this year, a serious food poisoning outbreak linked to the hostel’s food service led to hospitalization for several students, including participants of the Panini Linguistics Olympiad hosted by IIIT Hyderabad. Students reported that the food frequently contained insect larvae, cockroaches, worms, and ants, with Kadamb Hostel repeatedly cited as the worst offender. Accounts of rats found in sugar containers and lizards discovered in food packaging have only compounded the distress among students.
In addition to the disturbing findings in their meals, students have raised alarms about the overall cleanliness of the mess facilities. Complaints have surfaced regarding the washing areas, which are often filthy and attract pests, as well as the inadequate cleaning of utensils, which reportedly do not receive proper sanitization. These unsanitary conditions have fueled demands for immediate action from the administration to address the ongoing issues.
The recent discovery of the frog in the biryani has led to a wave of frustration among the student body, who are now calling for improvements in food safety and hygiene standards at the mess. "We deserve better," one student commented, reflecting the sentiments of many who are increasingly concerned about the quality of food served on campus.
As students continue to voice their concerns, the administration faces mounting pressure to implement necessary changes and ensure a safe and healthy dining environment for all residents of IIIT Hyderabad.
