Bhubaneswar, Nov 3: Following a jaundice outbreak in two women’s hostels, Utkal University has prohibited students from consuming street food and fast food on the campus and ordered inspections of all food outlets to ensure compliance with food safety and hygiene standards.

University Registrar Dr Swati Mishra said officials would inspect all eateries on the campus, including outlets at Govinda Sahu Market, to assess food quality and sanitary conditions. Shops found violating food safety norms or failing to maintain proper hygiene would be shut down immediately, she warned.

The move comes after several students residing in Girls’ Hostels No. 6 and 7 reportedly fell ill with jaundice and diarrhoea following the festival vacation. Some affected students were admitted to hospitals for treatment.

Health department officials and medical teams have visited the hostels and collected blood samples from more than 30 students for testing. The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has also inspected the premises and collected water and blood samples to identify the possible source of the outbreak.

Meanwhile, the university has opened a special control room, pharmacy and public health service centre on campus. Around 1,000 litres of purified drinking water have been supplied to the hostels. Students have also been advised to drink boiled water and maintain proper food hygiene to prevent further infections.

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