UCT dining halls cleared

A photo showing meatballs with tagliatelle was ruled out after confirming the pasta type had not been served at the residence in September

- NAMHLA MONAKALI NAMHLA [e-mail]

The University of Cape Town (UCT) has launched an internal probe after a parent reported that their child, a student living in one of the university's residences, had been hospitalised for alleged food poisoning following meals served at the residence dining hall.

The incident was reported to Student Housing and Residence Life on Wednesday 24 September, prompting a review of food quality concerns raised throughout the month. The university also received queries from a media outlet around the same time, which shared photographs and messages alleging poor food standards in some residences.

According to UCT's internal findings, the student concerned had not scanned into the residence dining hall since Tuesday 4 September this year, despite consistent attendance earlier in the year. Elijah Moholola, UCT spokesperson said: “From that date onward, the student had been redeeming daily meal vouchers at external food vendors, suggesting they may not have consumed residence meals at the time the alleged food poisoning occurred.”